Course Content | Format

This course covers fundamental digital media techniques for visualization in design, and the integration of analog methods (hand drafting, sketching, rendering and modeling) with digital processes (image collage+manipulation, color rendering, pattern generation, CAD drafting and 3D modeling). The focus will be on working between different digital tools as needed for different types of visualization, and on the use of digital processes as a tool for thinking. It will also require the student to master basic file management and input/output procedures.

The semester will be separated into two general sections. The first focuses on visualizing during the design process through 2D imaging and layout, and the import of hand-produced artifacts into the digital realm for further manipulation. The second section focuses on technical drafting and the construction and exploration of forms using both 2D + 3D software. A side component of both sections will introduce methods for exporting drawings and models into other software for manipulation or output for further hand rendering. Students will also be introduced to supporting scanning, photographic and presentation software.

Students will Learn to:

• input, manipulate, manage and output a range of design materials through digital media:: image, text, data, sketch, diagram, drawing, model, matrix
• compose a set of materials to communicate design/research process
• create digital image montages and integrate hand drawings with digital rendering techniques
• use digital layering and imaging techniques as a tool for analysis and design
• draft a digital set of precision architectural drawings (CAD) from existing measured drawings
• generate a basic 3D digital massing model from a 2D digital file
• explore digital massing through transformations of form, perspective, color, transparency, shade + shadow
• export digital files for additional color/material rendering using both digital + hand techniques
• generate a complex presentation of a full range materials communicating a design:: concept statements, diagrams, sketches, models, plans, sections, perspectives, massing

Required Course Software

note:: educational licenses for software will be reviewed on the first day of class.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
• AutoCAD 2004
• 3D Studio VIZ
• SketchUp 4.0 (free educational license provided through course)
• Powerpoint (component of Microsoft Office)

additional 3D software introduced, but not required:

• FormZ
• MAYA

Critical to the work will be the Computer Lab/Office of Information Technology for the School of Architecture, located in the basement of Sutton Hall. Many questions about software and input/output can be answered by going to the website: http://mather.ar.utexas.edu/it/

Each student is required to provide their own computer for this class, as per the School of Architecture Computer Initiative. See the computer purchase recommendations (online) for basic system requirements - including wireless Ð or ask one of the IT staff members, also listed online. Each studio space has been supplied with 2 computers, these are to be used to transfer files in order to send plots to the IOC (input/output central) also located in the basement of Sutton Hall. These machines are to be shared by students enrolled in the class. Viscom III assignments take precedent over all other computing activity in the studio. Students not working on class assignments are to allow those working on Viscom III to have first use of the computers. In addition, extraneous software such as games, etc. will be deleted from the computers as soon as they are identified. Students using the computers for classes other than Viscom III or Architectural Design III, or for personal use are to use the computers in the lab downstairs.

Class time will be scheduled around primary lecture/tutorial sessions in the main lecture hall -- Goldsmith 3.120 -- for demonstrations, reviews and question + answer sessions. We then break up into individual studios for the remaining class time; while other class times will be designated entirely as workdays based upon previously assigned exercises. There will be one instructor or TA assigned to each studio for the duration of the semester. Projects will parallel work within the design studios, with some assignments to be shared (ie: design presentation requirements supported by VisComm assignments).

Recommended Texts

• Tufte, Edward, Envisioning Information, Graphics Press, 1990
• Omura, George, Mastering AutoCAD 2000, Premium Edition,Sybex, 1999
• Galli, Mirko, MŸhlhoff, Claudia: Virtual Terragni, Birkhauser Publishers