A321: Computer Aided Design I
Spring, 2002
Syllabus
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Credits: 1-4-3
Type of Course:
Lecture/Lab. This is a required course for all Architecture, Interior Design,
Industrial
Design and Textile Engineering students.
Pre-requisites: Second year status recommended.
Instructors: Susan Frostén (Coordinator), Scott Ogburn, Martina Plag, Brian Smiley, Ian Smith.
Co-Coordinators: Susan Frostén and Rob Fleming
Office Hours:
Martina Plag: by appointment
215-546-0800
plag@bellatlantic.net
plagm@philau.edu
mplag@kmarchitects.com
Web Site:
http://faculty.philau.edu/plagm
Course Description:
This course introduces students to computer aided design. It is a laboratory course where students learn the fundamental AutoCAD commands and techniques required to visualize three dimensional spaces and objects as an integral part of the design and presentation process. Projects progress from basic three dimensional models and simple computer generated renderings to complex two and three dimensional drawings and renderings. The course develops the student’s ability to create computer generated design process drawings including orthographic drawings such as plans, elevations and sections as well as three dimensional drawings such as perspectives and axonometrics. It also introduces the student to third party rendering programs to facilitate the creation of finished computer renderings and animations to support design studio presentations. All work is completed in the Windows environment as preparation to compete in the marketplace. Future directions of computer technologies in design are discussed through pertinent texts and group discussions.
Pedagogic Objectives:
To establish the computer as an effective tool in support of the design and presentation processes. The course will focus on two primary areas in this regard: Visualizing design concepts in true 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.
The intent of this course is:
To develop the ability to employ computer technology to convey essential formal elements
in the design process.
To instruct students to construct, render, and animate 3-D spaces and objects to create
images that support the design process
To teach each students how to produce 2-D line drawings including plans, sections, and elevations as a means of graphically representing and communicating information about spaces and objects.
To introduce the use of various computer 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 "base" for future changing software and industry expectations.
Methods and Procedures:
During the semester, you will be asked to participate in a series of challenging 3-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 access 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.
Completion requirements:
Projects will be evaluated upon the following criteria:
Understanding of basic AutoCAD commands: 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%
Absence and Lateness:
Attendance is the key to being a successful student in this course. There is no text book which accompanies the class sequence. Any text book 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 effect your grade. More than three absences may result in a final grade of a "F". Role 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 can not 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.
Student Archives:
Students will be asked to submit a copy of their work on Super disk. Some hard copies may be requested for the completion of a project.
Suggested Texts and Readings:
Inside AutoCAD, Release
2000, New Riders
Publishing
The Digital Architect, Sanders
Required Supplies:
Required: 2 Super disks