Virtual Modeling for Architecture: teaching today digital representation techniques to tomorrow’s professional designers

Three-dimensional digital modeling is mostly a skill that needs to be consolidated in students’ careers, to allow them an adequate preparation to the post-graduation professional world. Just like the traditional disciplines of drawing and representation, computer graphics techniques evolved over the years, introducing several fascinating possibilities in architectural visualization. What this paper is mainly concerned with is the analysis of issues and advantages as results of teaching a few of those methodologies establishing an original teachers/students collaborative learning environment. Some experiences gained during the “Virtual Modeling for Architecture” lectures, mainly held in the School of Engineering and Architecture in Bologna, will be introduced featuring many students, who were involved in digital representation of buildings related to an important Cultural Heritage landmark in the Italian city of Bologna: its porticoes.