AR25104 Art as Cognition and Expression – Semester I – Arch – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: AR25104 – Art as Cognition and Expression

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: I (First Semester)

Branch: B. Arch. (Arch)

Credits / L-T-P: 4 Credits | L-T-P: 0-0-4

Course Objectives

• To give understanding of the role and importance of art as a means of understanding the world.
• To give skills in techniques and media of art.
• To enable expression of ideas, thoughts and experience through various visual modes both in terms of realism and abstraction.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Introduction to Art

Origin and evolution of art as human cognition, representation, expression. Role of art. Understanding representation in art – naturalistic, realistic, symbolic, stylistic, abstract, non-objective art, etc., through study of important works across history from different cultures of the world. Looking at common design principles and intersections between art and architecture. Simple studio exercises in basic modes of representation through observation or thought.

Unit II – Art as Observation and Recording of Human Experience

Properties and uniqueness of different media for art. Studio exercises to observe and record the nature of simple indoor and outdoor subjects through techniques of line, colour, light and shade, texture, etc., using different media – drawing, sketching, painting, sculpture, watercolour, tempera, oil, acrylic, pencils, pastels, crayons, paper, canvas, brush, airbrush, pen and ink, mixed media, clay, Plaster of Paris, wire, papier-mâché.

Unit III – Art as Heightened Representation of Reality

Understanding role of art in heightening reality through accentuation of line, colour, light and shade, texture, emphasis, contrast, balance, etc., by the study of examples from the world of art. Comparison between line drawing and form drawing in art and architecture. Studio exercises to understand and bring out the essential characteristics of landscapes, people, places, built environment, situations and objects by heightened reality through appropriate ideas/tools/techniques.

Unit IV – Art as Abstraction of Reality

The power and role of abstraction as a way of expressing experience and reality through understanding exemplary artists’ works and art movements. Studio exercises in abstract expression of real environment, thoughts and emotions through any appropriate media and technique.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Sensitivity and knowledge of art as basic human endeavour.
• CO2: Ability and skill to record ideas, thoughts and experience through art.
• CO3: Ability to abstract thought, observation and experience through art.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Internal Assessment 60% | End Semester Examinations 40%
• Internal methodology: Three Assessments with equal weightage. Each assessment shall incorporate continuous marking of the work and performance during the particular assessment period. Each assessment weightage – approx. 33%.

Source: Official Anna University – B. Arch. R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: September 2026