This document provides instructions for an assignment on visual note taking related to natural and built environments. Students are asked to create visual notes on topics related to ecosystems and spaces. For ecosystems, they must formulate topics starting with the letters E-C-O-S-Y-S-T-E-M. For spaces, they must do the same but starting with S-P-A-C-E-S. The notes must be handwritten and drawn on A3 paper. Students must also include an overall conclusion. The visual notes will be evaluated based on content, structure, documentation, originality and clarity. Suggested references on visual note taking are also provided.

1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Research Unit for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia
Foundation of Natural Build Environment (FNBE)
Elements of Natural Built Environment ARC30105 (FNBE 0115)
Prerequisite: None
Lecturers: Miss Normah and Ms Ida Marlina
The Journal
Visual Note Taking
20% Individual
Progress Update : 8th July 2015
Submission Date : 5th August 2015
Introduction
Visual notetaking is a process of representing ideas non-linguistically. Visual notetaking can
include concept mapping, but also more artistic ways of visually capturing and representing ideas.
On the simpler side of the visual notetaking continuum, visual notes can be used to create narrated
art. On the complex end of the spectrum, some visual notetaking applications support the creation
of whiteboard animation videos which include audio narration synchronized to screencasts of
drawings. Visual or graphic facilitation can be used at meetings to summarize presentations and
guide discussions. Whether simple or complex, visual notes can be used to more deeply process
information as well as communicate it to others with images.
The Journal Note is a task for students capturing information related to ENBE lecture into visual
notes to improve their understanding of the content delivered during from the lectures. Students will
need to formulate their own topics, related to natural environment and built environment. For the
4-5 week submission, students will then need to make an overall conclusion of the few topics
that they are submitting. At the end of the semester students are required to submit a compilation
of all their notes.
Objectives
1. To analyse and articulate the elements of natural and built environment in their basic unit, form
and function.
!1

2. Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. To recognise and identify the different elements of the natural and built environment
2. Understand how to communicate ideas through observation and using different media/
tools/techniques to present information of the study of natural and built environment
Tasks
THE TASK
Individually students are required to create visual notes related to the two main component of the module.
Part 1
Natural Environment - Students are to formulate topics related to the word ECOSYSTEM.
Formulation example :
E - Environmental forces
C - Climates
O - Oasis in the dessert
S - Soil fertility
Y - Youth Engagement on environment
S - Sustainable forests
T - Terrestrial ecosystem
E - Exploitation of natural resources
M - Marine pollution
Part 2
Built Environment - Students are to formulate topics related to the word SPACES
Formulation example :
S - Sustainable constructions
P - Productive environments
A - Advance architecture
C -Climatic solutions
E - Earthquake engineering
S - Street Design
!2

3. Submission Requirement
This is an individual assignment. Students are required to follow the instructions stated in this brief.
• All visual notes must be produce in A3 cartridge paper for each topics.
• Students must include conclusion from part 1 and part 2, conclusion visual note must not exceed 2
pages.
• All information of the notes will be hand written and hand drawn. Minimal printed images are
allowed. However, students MUST AVOID DECORATIONS in the compilation.
• The submitted work should be in a visual note taking style or mapping. Students may use pencil
colours or coloured pens etc.
• Student must SCAN their work before submission and upload it to their Eportfolio.
All sketches, doodles, research, planning, discussion to be place in the e-portfolio. It’s the
responsibility of every student to make sure they record the process and final product of
their work.
Marking criteria
• Importance, depth and appropriateness of content related to the topic (substance)
• Structure and personalisation of content and (clarity )
• Complete and organised documentation (items that need to be in the compilation)
• Originality, creativity, appropriateness and clarity of the file cover (content & delivery)
Suggested References
These are just some links and books that should start you with your independent learning through research.
1. The Sketchnote Handbook: the illustrated guide to visual note taking Paperback – December 13,
2012 by Mike Rohde
2. Mind Maps: Quicker Notes, Better Memory, and Improved Learning 3.0 Paperback – Large Print,
January 3, 2014 by Michael Taylor
3. How to Take Great Notes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAhRf3U50lM
4. Sketcho Frenzy: The Basics of Visual Note-taking https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=gY9KdRfNN9w
5. Sketcho Frenzy: Mind Map - https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Xfx4PIg0rpI&list=PLOOGmeXtM8mSY2i3N9N0jZGGxm6Xn_eqX&index=3
!3