The course tackles issues related to architectural design software and in particular software as a design tool rather than modeling tool. Students explore representational techniques and are introduced to programming for algorithmic design.
Students work on three interlinked projects:
- 3d modeling of a small project using NURBS geometry, renders
- 3d modeling of a small project using mesh geometry, walkthrough animation, renders
- Design of a poster integrating plans, sections, renders from the project in scale, with text
The course aims to further familiarize the students with computer aided design systems in 3D space. It examine the possibilities offered by the use of computers in various phases of the design activity , including the exploration of three-dimensional geometric form, the design of variations and alternatives, and representation techniques.
The lectures cover the following topics: Introduction to 3D geometry, modeling objects and buildings, NURBS & mesh models, photorealistic representations (lights, materials, textures, cameras), animations, interactive environments. The course is based on presentations and exercises of escalating difficulty in the computer lab, presentations by the instructors and corrections of the topics worked on by the students during the semester. 4 individual exercises are given to cover the subject matter with different topics and software.
Students are assessed based on 4 projects and their participation in the seminar