COMPUTER AIDED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN:
3-D GEOMETRICAL MODELING AND VISUALIZATION

SYLLABUS ARCH 6710/2710 FALL 2017
http://www.arch.virginia.edu/arch6710
http://www.arch.virginia.edu/arch2710
8.24.2017

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Jae Cheon jyc6wv@virginia.edu
Jonathan Chu hc5ed@virginia.edu
Davis Eddy dwe2he@virginia.edu
Colin Gilliland cmg2mc@virginia.edu
Andrea Gomez Merino ag4ga@virginia.edu
Sherry Ng sxn3sa@virginia.edu
Katherine Rush kr3hk@virginia.edu
Jacqueline Schwartz jns5wf@virginia.edu
Zach Winter zrw5sq@virginia.edu

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STAFF
Problem Report Form : http://www.arch.virginia.edu/Service_Request
Jake Thackston, Senior Engineer, jat5c@virginia.edu, 137 Campbell
Eric Field, Senior IT Staff, emfield@virginia.edu, 136 Campbell
Nicholas Alley, Help Desk Support Analyst, na6v@virginia.edu, 134 Campbell
Dav Banks, Systems Engineer and Webmaster, eb2b@virginia.edu, 138 Campbell
Tony Horning, Classroom Support, arh3s@virginia.edu, 134 Campbell
Andrew LaRue, Academic and Software Technologies Specialist, ajl5t@virginia.edu, 135 Campbell

The first meeting of the class as a whole is on Thursday, August 24, at 3:30 p.m. in Campbell 158. Smaller workshop/discussion sessions will also begin on a modified basis the first week of the semester as will be announced by email by August 21st.

OVERVIEW

Architecture 6710/2710 is a comprehensive hands-on class in three-dimensional computer aided design, geometrical modeling and visualization. Exercises are based upon a case study method. We explore the quantitive basis and invisible geometrical order of shapes found in nature and architecture. Ttopics are covered in a developmental sequence from foundation concepts to an advanced level. 

Methods of computational geometry allow us to buid up 3D dimensional forms step by step through contructing algorithmic sequences and incorporating a projective geemetry. We explore sequences of assembly, spatial organization, materiality, interaction with light, tectonic and other physical qualities. A simple vector algebra in our approach today is similar to how a previous generation relied upon methods of "descriptive geometry" to generate forms illustrated by hand or with string and wood. However, through techniques referred to as macro-programming, parametric variation, constraints and instances, we can also take advantage of computational logic in combinatinon with three-dimensional reasoning.

Graduate students enrolled in Arch 6710 will undertake case studies at a depth of geometrial modeling and visualization on a par with other graduate coursework such as in the the class Arch 6140 Architectural Analysis: Key Buildings of Modernism. Similarly, undergraduates students enrolled in Arch 2710 will undertake case studies at a depth of geometrial modeling and visualization on a par with general expectations of undergraduate coursework , such as in the case of Arch 3140 Architectural Analysis: Key Buildings of Modernism. Students from non-design discplines should also anticipate undertaking a level of analysis at a depth appropriate to the level of their respective graduate or undergraduate program in consultation with your TA or the course instructor.

FORMAT

A larger group lecture will be held in Campbell 158 Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.(or TBA). In addition, you should also registered for a discussion session/workshop group that meets for two periods weekly in a computer equipped classroom (see the Student Information System (SIS) for scheduling details). After the beginning of the semester, lectures will not necessarily be held each week. A guest lecture by the head research scientist at Pixar is planned for Thursday, November 9th and will likely be held outside Campbell Hall at a location to be announced. The workshops combine group and individual instruction.

The lectures provide a theoretical and conceptual framework, describe current and speculate on emerging technologies. The workshop is more intensively focused on specific hands-on techniques of computer based 3D geometrical modeling and digital terrain modeling, and include photo-realistic and abstract methods of rendering, image-processing, color-manipulation, photo-montage, light energy modeling, animation, graphics extraction for print media and combined media applications. They will also include macro programming (Python) and graphics programming (Grasshopper).

Computer resources are available in Campbell Hall on a 24 hour basis.   Students from programs outside of the School of Architecture will be given building access through a university ID swipe card system that is located outside a few key entrances to the building.

SOFTWARE

The software used in the class is also available on all of the School's computer labs and througout studios for work on individual assignments.

Personal copies of Rhino 5.0 for WIndows may be obtained from Cavalier Computers located in the UVA Bookstore at approximately $95.00 each and is the only purchase required for the class.  Discussions are currently underway with a vendor to provide V- Ray at a reduced educatioanally discounted price (http://www.chaosgroup.com/en/2/vray_academic.html). The remaining software used in the class may be obtained at no cost through a special educational partnerships we have established or is availble through the public domain and will be discussed.

As will be described later in the fall, some additional sofware can be downloaded by students enrolled in School of Architecture classes by following instuctions on the the web site http://www.arch.virginia.edu/computing/software/distribution/.  Please also see Eric Field in 406 Campbell Hall if you need additional support and details. 

To underscore expections, if you don't have a copy already, you should only purchase Rhino 5.0 for now. Rhino 5.0 is the only purchase requirement for the semester. Here is a summary:

    Required academic license -
        Rhino 5.0 -  (purchase at special price at Cavalier Computers, http://www.rhino3d.com/)

    Recommended academic license for possible purchase later this semester (stay tuned for an update on pricing) -
        V-Ray 3.0 Plugin For Rhino (https://www.chaosgroup.com/education/academic#students)
 
    Free Academic Licenses -
        Grasshopper (www.grasshopper3d.com)
        MakeHuman (public domain)

REQUIREMENTS

The exercises in the class are cumulative in technique and lead to a final project. The first five exercises count for 10% of the grade each. The final project counts for 40% of the grade. Class participation through regular attendance in lecture and the workshops,and email communiations with your TA as required on exercises counts towards 10% of the grade.

CLASS PARTICIPATION

Attendance to workshops and lectures is required. Absences should be communicated to the course instructor and individual teaching assistant assigned to you. Switching workshop time-slots once or twice with permission of the instructor is possible under special circumstances. Missing a significant number of classes is subject to university regulations and can result in a failing grade. We use a system of continous assesment throughout the semester that aims to not penalize lack of experience or lack of initial understanding but is focused more on cumulative results and growth.

Schedule

BIBLIOGRAPHY

The following citations are for optional reading, unless otherwise noted in class. Some of these materials will be placed on reserve in the fine arts library.

Training Guides

Rhino 5 Training Guide (free from McNeel)   http://download.rhino3d.com/download.asp?id=Rhino5Level1Training
Schultze, David, Rhino 5 Essential Traning, 2013. http://www.lynda.com/ (video training availble on grounds or through VPN at UVA)
Schultze, David, Rndering Fundamentals with Rhino and V-Ray.http://www.lynda.com/ (video training availble on grounds or through VPN at UVA)
Learning Rhino 5, Infinite Skills Video Training, InfintieSkills (DVD or download), 2012
Reas, Casey and Fry, Ben, Getting Started with Processing, 2010, O'Reilly Media (Note, a compact guide to the processing language and likely to benefit first-time exposure).
Reas, Casey and Fry, Ben, Processing: A Programming Handbook for Visual Designers and Artists, August 2007, MIT Press.
Shiffman, Daniel, Learning Processing: A Beginner's Guide to Programming, Images, Animation and Interaction, 2008, Morgan Kaufman.

Books

Negroponte, Nicholas, Being Digital. Published by Hodder & Stoughton, 1995.
Negroponte, Nicholas (editor), Computer Aides to Design and Architecture. Published by Petrocelli/Charter, 1975. (Read chapters by Gero, Steward, Sutherland).

Articles and Papers

Dreyfus, Hubert and Stuart. Why Computers May Never Think like People, Technology Review. M.I.T., January 1985, pp. 42 - 80.
Eastman, Chuck, Fundamental Problems in the Development of Computer Based Architectural Models, Proceedings of the Computers & Design Research Symposium, M.I.T., August 4, 1986.
Greenberg, Donald, A True Design Tool, Architectural Record. September 1984, pp. 150 - 159.
Kvan, Thomas, Mark, Earl,Oxman,Rivka, and Martins, Bob, Ditching the Dinosaur: Redefining the Role of Digital Media in Education, International Journal of Design Computing, June 2003 .
Mark, E , Woodbury R. (Senior Editors), Built Environment, Architectural Theory and Computer Aided Architectural Design, International Journal of Architectural Compuing, Issue Volume 9, Number 2 / June 2011 (accessible via UVA Library subscription on-line or can be purchased).
Mark, E , Woodbury R. (Senior Editors), Built Environment, Architectural Theory and Computer Aided Architectural Design, International Journal of Architectural Compuing, Issue Volume 8, Number 3 / September 2010 (accessible via UVA Library subscription on-line or can be purchased).
Mark, E., Martens, B. and Oxman, R,, Preliminary Stages of CAAD Education, Automation in Construction.Volume 12, Issue 6, November 2003, Pages 661-670
Mark, E., Martens, B. and Oxman, R, 2001, The Ideal Computer Curriculum, Architectural Information Management: eCAADe Helsinki, pp. 168-175.
Mark, Earl (2007), Simulating Dynamic Forces in Design with Special Effects Tools, Predicting the Future [25th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 978-0-9541183-6-5] Frankfurt am Main (Germany) 26-29 September 2007, pp. 219-226
Mark, Earl,: 2000, A Prospectus on Computers Throughout the Curriculum, Promise and Reality: eCAADe Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, pp. 77-83.
Mark, Earl, Reconstructing Architectural Geometry, Architectural Research Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, England, March 1999
Mark, Earl, The Physical and Conceptual Assembly of Architectural Form,in Cinema & Architecture, 1997, BFI Press, England.
Mark, Earl, A Design Automation Paradox, Conceptual Modeling of Buildings, CIB Proceedings, CIB W74 + W78 Seminar, Publication 126, C M Gruppen, Stockholm Sweden, 1990, ISBN 91 -7332-557-0.
Mark, Earl, Case Studies in Moviemaking and Computer Aided Design, in The Electronic Design Studio. (Edited by McCullough, Mitchell and Purcell), M.I.T. bss 1990.
Mark, Earl, Architecture In Motion in Computers in Architecture. (Edited by FranÙois Penz), Longman 1992.
Mitchell, William and Stiny George. The Palladian Grammar, Environment and Planning B. May 1978, 5 - 18.
Schmertz, Mildred F., A New Museum by Walter Netsch, Architectural Record. January 1980.