A4534 Advanced Computer Aided Design in Architecture
Methods/Practice DistributionalEden Muir
This seminar is intended to develop a working, practical, knowledge of the concepts and tools of computer graphics as they influence and are influenced by, architectural design. The course will be roughly divided into three parts technical hardware and software training, the presentation of fundamental concepts of computer graphics and cyber-technology, and discussions and student presentations in the more conceptual directions computer generate environments are taking. These sections will overlap to encourage a practical exploration and a conceptual development of the topics discussed. Class members will have hands-on access to advanced animation workstations and will be required to use these to demonstrate or discuss their ideas through design projects.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Both Silicon Graphics and Mackintosh workstations will be available, but the platform of choice will be the former. The primary software tool will be an advanced 3D modeling, rendering and animation tool commonly used in the film and video industry the Softimage Creative Environment. In addition, there will be multimedia, programming, and video-editing software available, as well as full Mackintosh support for modeling and rendering software. Due to the advanced nature of both the software and hardware, this class will be very technical at times, as students will be required to develop a working knowledge of the UNIX operation system (as well as a passing knowledge of the mathematics of 3D graphics and graphics programming. It is encouraged, in fact, (but not required), that students who apply for this seminar have significant experience with computing environments.
PREREQUISITES
A4535 Computer Aided Design in Architecture, or equivalent 3D modeling experience
COURSE SCHEDULE AND REQUIREMENTS
For the first six weeks of the class, attendance will be required at an additional Tuesday night session, after which it will become an optional workshop with faculty and TA support. A series of skills assignments relating to each session will be required weekly for the first half of the semester. After this time, students will be expected to develop and independent design project dealing with the architecture of the virtual realm. Submission of work will be required in both video and hyper-document form.
CLASSES
1. General introduction; introduction to the Silicon Graphics workstation and the UNIX operating system
2. Getting away from a GUI; UNIX topics continued
3. Data, information, and knowledge: the digital conversion of an analog reality
4. the Softimage interface; Softimage modeling; advanced topics of 3D computer modeling
5. The geometry of space: how the computer represents our physical environment
6. Softimage rendering: materials, textures and lighting
7. The art of memory and spatial mnemonics: a physical model for data storage and access
8. Introduction to Softimage animation techniques; designing and story-boarding animations
9. Computer interface design: dealing with a human
10. Advanced animation techniques; function curves, dynamic simulation, and inverse kinematics
11. Presentation topic: The real event translated into a virtual context
12. Outside of Softimage; using the integrated media tools of the SGI
13. Presentation topic: Tectonics and proxemics in virtual space
14. Moving beyond animation; tools for designing interactivity
15. Presentation topic: Time and motion in architectural representation
16. Presentation topic: The virtual environment as a photo realistic utopia
17. Presentation topic: The architectural influence of planning on virtual domains
18. Presentation topic: The development of the networked world as a place the networked body and the need for cyberspace
19. Final review