PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY
School of Architecture & Design

A321: Visualization I: Digital Modeling

Fall 2005

Syllabus

Credits: 1-4-3

Type of Course: Lecture/Lab. This is a required course for all Architecture, Architectural Studies, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design students.

Pre-requisites:  A122: Design II

Instructors: Susan Frostén (Coordinator), Bill Cromar, Tim Hemsath, Scott Ogburn, Andrea Wood

Office Hours: Susan Frostén: Tuesdays 9-11, Thursdays 9-11, or by appointment, x2595,

Contact Info: frostens@philau.edu or x2595

Web Site: http://faculty.philau.edu/frostens

Course Description:

The primary intent of this course is to establish the computer as an effective tool in the design and presentation process. The course will focus on two primary areas in this regard: visualizing design concepts in three dimensions and communicating those concepts in a manner consistent with studio level work. Each project will explore various methods of describing two and three dimensional objects and spaces. Future directions of computer technologies in design are discussed through pertinent texts and group discussions.

Pedagogic Objectives:

To develop the ability to use appropriate representational digital media to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the programming and design process.

To introduce the use of various digital techniques and outputs depending on the requirements of the design and presentation process.

To develop a solid approach to digital technology that will serve as a foundation for future changing software and professional expectations.

Methods and Procedures:

During the semester, you will be asked to participate in a series of challenging three-dimensional projects in order to firmly and clearly establish the computer as one of many skills to support the design studio. The projects will be based directly on the current projects running in the second year studio. As such, the work you create for this class may augment, but not replace, your Design studio presentation requirements.

Class participation is essential, as many of the projects will be completed during class hours. Each new topic builds directly on information presented in earlier classes thus heightening the need for consistent attendance.

Three major projects that correspond with design studio projects will be completed for this course. There will also be smaller, intermittent assignments to develop particular skills. There will be a review at the end of each project to assess the quality of the work, but more importantly, to discuss how well the computer was used to support the design process.

The syllabus and project statements will be available on the web at http://faculty.philau.edu/frostens .

Students must always maintain two copies of their work. One copy should be in the home directory, the other on a disk.


Grading / Completion requirements:

Students must complete and present all required projects assigned during the semester according to the schedule set by the faculty. Thoughtful participation, the ability to work independently, and improvement will also impact your grade. Projects will be evaluated upon the following criteria:

Understanding of software: 20%

Effectiveness of 3-D models to convey quality of space: 25%

Effectiveness of screen renderings & animations to convey ideas: 20%

Use of the computer as a meaningful part of the design process: 20%

Class participation and attendance: 15%

Your grade will be based upon the Philadelphia University grading structure.

Absence and Lateness:

Attendance is the key to being a successful student in this course. There is no textbook that accompanies the class sequence. Any available textbook will only provide a broad overview of computer technologies, and as such, will provide little or no assistance to a student who falls behind. Consequently, three unexcused absences will adversely affect your grade. More than three absences may result in a final grade of a "F". Roll will be taken during the first 5 minutes of each class. Three late arrivals or early departures from class will count as one unexcused absence. An excused absence requires either a doctor’s note or verification of a family emergency. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to get notes from a classmate and to be prepared for the following class. Class content cannot be repeated. All unexcused, late work may be accepted at the discretion of the professor. If accepted, it will be down graded by one letter grade.

Plagiarism
The Faculty of Philadelphia University takes academic integrity seriously. Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated, and students violating the University’s academic integrity policy will be subject to appropriate sanctions. The academic integrity policy is published in the University’s Student Handbook and is also available in deans’ offices and in the Office of Academic Affairs. Sometimes plagiarism is unintentional, but it is wrong nonetheless, and ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse. Plagiarists misrepresent the ideas, words, or work that rightfully belongs to another as their own. The proper use of the ideas, words, or work of another requires that you acknowledge your source: quite simply that you give your audience or reader all the information needed to read or view the original. If you have any questions, ask your instructor for clarification.

Book Abuse
Any student found to deface or cut pages from journals, periodicals or books will be referred to the Student Conduct Committee. This is theft and destruction of property. By doing this, you disallow present and future access to this information. This will not be tolerated. Copy machines and a scanner are available for your use in the library.

Student Archives:

Students will be asked to submit a copy of their work on disk. Some hard copies may be requested for the completion of a project.

Texts and Readings:


As assigned by your professor, there will be required readings concerning the history and evolution of digital culture, as well as research on contemporary designers who are using digital technologies. These readings will be available on reserve in the library, on ERes through the library web page, or on the web. The password for Eres readings will be vis1ok .


Required Supplies:

Required: a notebook / sketchbook

CDs and/or CD-RWs
memory stick