Syllabus - Surveying Methods in Architecture: From
Measuring Tape to Laser Scanning

Summer Semester, 2027
Mon, June 7 - Fri, July 2, 2027
Amelia, Italy
Meets daily: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (4 weeks)
Afternoon Workshop: Monday - Friday, 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM (4 weeks)
Location: Various places in the Historical Center
Lead Instructor: William Krueger

Course Description:
This studio explores Italian architectural history through building cultures, construction techniques, structural systems, and architectural documentation. Students learn to observe, document, interpret, and transform historic buildings through fieldwork, research, and design.

Learning Objectives

1. Documentation Techniques & Technology

Students develop skills in freehand sketching, on-site observation, photogrammetry, 3D laser scanning, drone documentation, and digital data processing.

2. Documentation in Practice

Through the ongoing study of Villa Colonna, students document its architecture, construction, transformations, and context while developing an understanding of its historical significance.

3. Design for the Future: Adaptive Reuse

Students use their documentation to develop new programs and design interventions for Villa Colonna, exploring how existing buildings can be thoughtfully adapted for future use.

Through lectures, discussions, workshops, fieldwork, and design development, students connect documentation, history, and design while building both technical and conceptual skills for contemporary architectural practice.

Course Work

• Class divided into three sections: A, B, and C, with teams of 4 students.

• Sections rotate weekly through different documentation and surveying technologies, developing focused experience with multiple tools and methods while contributing to a shared understanding of the sites.

• Final week culminates in a comprehensive presentation to community members, colleagues, and invited guests.

Daily Activities

• Interactive lectures and discussions with active student participation.

• Architectural site visits, fieldwork, and stratigraphic analysis.

• Data gathering and documentation.

• Freehand sketching and measured drawing.

• 3D laser scanning and digital data processing and analysis.

• Field trips and additional site visits TBD.

• Weekly group presentations and critiques by staff and students.

Design Project Support

• Instructor available throughout the program in Amelia for in-person design feedback, consultation, and discussion.

• Students should email or speak directly with the instructor to schedule appointments.

Final Presentation

• Students synthesize documentation, analysis, and design proposals.

• Final work presented to community members, colleagues, and invited guests.

Lecture Topics

Introduction to Surveying in Architecture

Overview of architectural surveying and its importance.
- Historical context and evolution of surveying methods.

Traditional Surveying Methods

Measuring tape and manual measurement techniques.
- Surveying practices and techniques throughout history.

Advanced Surveying Technologies

3D laser scanning.
- Drones and UAVs.

Data Processing and Analysis

Survey data processing techniques.
- Software for data analysis and visualization.
- Integration of survey data into architectural design.

Applications and Case Studies

Real-world applications of surveying methods.
- Case studies demonstrate the impact of surveying on architectural projects.

SCHEDULE WEEKS 1-3
June 7th -25th
Morning - Lectures 8.30AM-12.30PM
Elisa Pilia/William Krueger

8.30AM-9.30AM Lecture, Discussion 9.30AM-10:00AM
Break 10:00AM-10.30AM

10.30AM-11.30AM Lecture, Discussion 11.30AM-12:00PM
Discuss afternoon objectives 12PM-12.30PM

Lunch 12.30PM-2.30PM

Afternoon

Field/lab work 2.30PM-6.30PM

If when lectures have been exhausted as the course progresses, field and lab work will replace lecture times.

Project Teams

Classes are divided into three sections and rotated each week. Each section focuses on a different documentation method, site, and instructor team.

1. Traditional Surveying Methods
Interior and/or exterior of building; classroom TBD. Primarily taught by William Krueger and Elisa Pilia.

2. FARO Terrestrial Scanner
Villa Colonna, streets of Amelia, and additional locations TBD. Primarily taught by Teresa Klopp, assisted by William Krueger.

3. ARTEC Leo & Stratigraphical Analysis
Portions of Villa Colonna, artifacts in and around Amelia, and the
“E Rosa” Archaeological Museum and Art Gallery. Stratigraphical Analysis Elisa Pilia, ARTEC Leo Emily Leahy.

SCHEDULE WEEK 4
June 28thth – 30th
Work Week Culmination and preparation of efforts for Community Presentation.
Elisa Pilia/William Krueger/Emily Leahy/Teresa Klopp
Morning - Prepare data sets for presentation - Lab.

8.30-10:00AM
Break 10:00AM-10.30AM

10.30AM-12.30PM

Lunch 12.30PM-2.30PM

Afternoon - Prepare data sets for presentation - Lab.

2.30-6.30PM

July 1st Present work to local entities, City of Amelia, Mayor, Public Works Department. TBD
July 2nd Disassemble and pack up classroom.

Must be taken with the following co-requisite:
History of Architecture: Types and Techniques

AICS Academic Programs