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VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON

Te Whare Wananga o te Upoko o te Ika a Maui

1

School of Design

 Te Kura Hoahoa

 

 

 

DESN 205: 3D Form and Space

 

COURSE OUTLINE          TRI 2, 2008

 

 

GENERAL:                 Elective                                     Trimester Two;   20 points

 

 

COORDINATOR:                                         Kah Chan

                                                                        Room: WIG 4.03

                                                                        Email:  kahpow@gmail.com

                                                                        Office Hours: Friday 1.30 – 2.30 or by

                                                                        appointment

 

                                                                       

TUTORS:                                                       Brad Knewstubb

                                                                        knewstubb@gmail.com  

                                                                        Office Hours: By appointment

 

                                                                        Matt Fraser

                                                                        madfraser@gmail.com

                                                                        Office Hours: By appointment

CLASS TIMES AND LOCATIONS

 

CLASSES:                    Monday/Thursday 14:40pm –17:30pm      Room:  VS 2.26

 

COURSE CONTENT
3D Form and Space see: http://www.mediazone.co.nz/blogs08/DESN205

AIMS & APPROACH

This is an elective course for the Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree. The central aim of the course is to introduce students to 3D digital design tools to conceptualize, generate, define, compare, refine and resolve both form and space. Manipulating form and space digitally is becoming the norm within the design process. Often the more complex forms and spaces in design are no longer communicated through traditional 2D communication methods but via digital 3D models that can be manipulated, rendered and animated. This course aims to give students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skill in this specific area of computer use as it applies to the three-dimensional design disciplines of Industrial, Interior, Landscape and Architecture.

Throughout the sequence of design projects in this course, students are expected to have an evolving yet firm commitment towards design, and to demonstrate that commitment through a willingness to explore design concepts, develop 3D digital design skills, and produce coherent and expressively potent design solutions. DESN 205 is computer studio-based and fundamentally visual in nature. It has a three and four dimensional emphasis, but extends itself to more interactive applications. This elective course encourages the student to investigate, to experiment and to develop a personal position in response to propositional design imperatives.

DESN 205 is primarily about developing computer skills and design methodologies that can be integrated and enhance working practices in studio. This will not only include the acquisition of computer skills but also an understanding of the processes and theories relating to the generating, manipulating, rendering and animating form and space.

 

PROJECTS & ASSESSMENT

Assignment work in DESN 205 is all project-based; three intensive design projects are undertaken during the course. The three projects build upon one another, strengthening the student’s ability to successfully engage progressively more complex and sophisticated design challenges.

Please note the assessment weightings of the three projects, [click on project titles for more information].

 

PROJECT 1: Relative Materiality 30%
TIMETABLE: 7 July – 31 July (4 Weeks)
DIGITAL DESIGN ISSUES: Materiality | Section | Integrity | Form through Lighting | Texture
DIGITAL DESIGN CHALLENGE: Form through Texture
PRECEDENTS: Gordon Matta-Clark | Damien Hirst | Patricia Piccinini | Sam Taylor-Wood | Dada
SOFTWARE: Photoshop | 3DSMax | Editstudio
TECHNIQUES: 3D Box Modelling | Material Generation | Animated Mesh Displacement | Basic Lighting
OUTPUTS: INDIVIDUAL: 1500 frame animation in DV Pal and Quicktime, 25 frames/sec, 720 by 576px formats.
PREMISE: Materiality is an incredibly powerful medium to convey 3D form and space. It is through materiality and the manipulated mesh that 3D form and space are explored through this project. The designer can describe these complex forms through a restricted perspective utilizing creative lighting, materials and animation in order to convey depth and texture.

 

PROJECT 2: Animated Tool 30%
TIMETABLE: 4 Aug – 4 Sept (5 Weeks incl. mid-term break)
DIGITAL DESIGN ISSUES: Tooling | Materiality | Surface Condition
DIGITAL DESIGN CHALLENGE: Sculpting
PRECEDENTS: Tapio Wirkkala | Marcos Novak | DECOi | Umberto Boccioni | Lebbeus Woods | Alexander Calder
SOFTWARE: Photoshop | 3dsmax | EditStudio (or Vegas) |Audacity
TECHNIQUES: Parametric Modeling | Reactor Interaction
OUTPUTS: 3DSMax file and one 750 frame animation composite together with appropriate format.
PREMISE: The next wave of computer real-time simulations points an emphasis towards physical dynamics and form/space interaction with materiality. The designer is now able to twist and manipulate these physical dynamics in order to create form, dictating how one body might collide or blend with another, and how physical characteristics might manifest themselves in fluctuating ways or take on a persona of materiality.

 

PROJECT 3: Synergy 40%
TIMETABLE: 8 Sept – 9 Oct (5 Weeks)
DIGITAL DESIGN ISSUES: Formwork Presence | Surface Condition |Flow
PRECEDENTS: Greg Lynn | Henry Moore | Theo Jansen
SOFTWARE: Photoshop, 3dsmax, Premiere
TECHNIQUES: Particle Systems | Deflectors | Forces
OUTPUTS: 3DSMax file and a maximum of 2500 frame linear animation of appropriate format
PREMISE: By introducing a virtual 3D form into a real world space, the boundaries between these real and imagined dimensions starts to blur – developing a more interesting form/space conversation. The designer is now able to manipulate this interactivity between the existing space and re-invent the desired context for the 3D model.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Demonstrate the ability to apply relevant computer ideas and theories to design and digital technology in the use of computers in design.
• Demonstrate the ability to use 3D computer representation to generate and manipulate complex 3D forms and spaces.
• Understand and demonstrate the processes of producing an animation sequence and using this as a tool for development of 3D form and space.
To develop strong presentation skills that will form a basis for professional presentations.
• Understand the role computers are playing in the 3D design professions and apply discrimination and judgment in the use of this technology.
• Become familiar with selected methods of computer design presentation.

In addition to the abovementioned learning objectives the learning outcomes for this course have been mapped against the three principal generic VUW Graduate Attributes of Communication, Creative & Critical Thinking, and Leadership as follows:

 

Communication
By the end of the course, students will have learned to:
· convincingly communicate initial design concepts in digital formats
· engage digital media design-specific knowledge and vocabulary
· speak to personal design ideas with confidence and present ideas in a structured & convincing way
· respond to design questions with clarity and insight

 

Creative & Critical Thinking
By the end of the course, students will have learned to:
· respond to a design brief by resolving programmatic, formal and functional demands
· reinforce critical design explorations with ideas/precedents and foundations that build up complexity
· acquire a firm understanding of the problems and needs of experience design challenges and the manners in which they may be addressed
· use innovation, imagination and lateral thinking to translate critical design issues (composition, aesthetics, identity, meaning, perception, sensitivity to context, response to needs) into digital media project concepts
· understand how well-considered presentation styles can enhance a design idea and its impact

 

Leadership
By the end of the course, students will have learned to:

· have an evolving yet firm commitment towards design, and to demonstrate that commitment through a willingness to explore design concepts, develop design skills, and produce coherent and expressive design products
· challenge traditional preconceptions of digital media design, while engaging the requisite skills, realities, limitations, and potentials of digital media design
· incorporate digital media design–specific pragmatic factors (structural, technical, human, contextual) into a poetic, sensitive, aesthetic design response
· understand the responsibilities of the profession, and the potential these afford for creative design, innovative problem-solving, and the poetic expression of personal convictions

 

ASSIGNMENTS
See Course Content above

 

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Attendance and participation in class is an important aspect of the learning process, and you are expected to attend all class sessions. See Mandatory Course Requirements.

Projects operate on 4 levels of instruction: class instruction through lectures, critiques, tutorial software demos, and individual mentoring of work. The studio thus involves both collective and individual participation from individuals in the group. Tutors will be in the studio at all scheduled times undertaking group and individual instruction and reviewing project work. Ongoing discussion will be critical to the development of your design work.

Therefore, for the studio to operate effectively, students are expected to arrive on time, to be present for the whole studio session, (unless there are reasons why they cannot) and to actively participate in group and one-to-one discussions with your tutor. It is also expected that students will bring to the studio sessions the appropriate equipment and supplies needed to work productively on the design projects and to complete this project work on time. The intensity and regularity of participation in the studio is unerringly reflected in the understanding and quality expressed in the resulting work.

If extraordinary circumstances arise that require you to be absent from some class sessions, you should discuss the situation with the Course Coordinator as soon as possible.

 

ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
Assessment Criteria specific to individual projects will be listed in each Project Outline. Overall Assessment Criteria for this course are:

· The creativity with which the assignment was met
· The mastery of the technical challenges of the project
· The coherence of the design concept and realisation
· The degree to which a variety of design concepts were explored to arrive at the result
· The expressiveness of the final project
· The professionalism of the presentation of the concept

DESN 205 is internally assessed by assignment work in the form of 4 projects and 4 graded submissions. Each is assessed and graded A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D, E, (where C is a PASS). Grades only are issued to students. The final grade for the course is based on the aggregation of the percentage marks for each of the projects, and a final grade of C or better is required to pass the course. The 4 submissions contribute towards the final course grade as follows:

 

PROJECT 1: Animated Landscape 30%
TIMETABLE: 7 July – 31 July(4 Weeks)

PROJECT 2: Animated Tool 30%
TIMETABLE: 4 Aug – 4 Sept (5 Weeks incl. mid-term break)

PROJECT 3: Synergy 40%
TIMETABLE: 8 Sept – 9 Oct (5Weeks)

 

Your work will be reviewed on the basis of the degree to which it meets the assessment criteria. Although visitors may be involved in some of the reviews, only the Course Coordinator and tutors will conduct the assessment. The Course Coordinator is finally responsible for the individual grades issued.

The School has a long tradition of providing critical review of student work as it progresses especially in design projects. This is part of feed-back for learning purposes. Such reviews must not be misunderstood as indicators of standards and they are different from assessment. Students have a responsibility to attend critical reviews at the appointed time as part of the learning process. Review panels are often composed of internal and external members for the appointed times and cannot be re-composed to consider late submissions. Consequently late work will not receive a critical review, though it will be assessed subject to any penalties as set out below.
· Critical Review: May take place during the development phases of a project as well as at the time of the final submission. Its purpose is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the work and to offer suggestions to generally encourage the student. An encouraging critical review does not necessarily mean a good assessment result.
· Assessment: May take place at a stage in a project or on final submission (or both). Its purpose is to value the work in terms of the objectives stated in the handout and to express this as a grade. Moderation of all assessment in design is undertaken at the end of the Trimester after critical reviews, involving a wider group of staff than the immediate lecturers in the course. This process ensures fairness.

All grades posted during this course are only provisional results until confirmed by the School Examiners Committee which meets after the examination period.

http://intranet.vuw.ac.nz/academic/documentation/assessment_handbook_2006.doc

 

RECORDING OF WORK AND PORTFOLIO

You are strongly encouraged to respect and care for your work, making and recording a visual summary of each project in this course.  This may be in digital and/or hard copy.  Keep multiple backups! The principal purpose of this is to maintain a record of your work for incorporation into your own personal ‘Design Portfolio’.  Recording a summary of your work also means it is available if needed for you or the School to exhibit or publish.

 

SUBMISSION OF WORK

·                     Each student is responsible for ensuring their work is submitted in on time and in the location and format as set out in the project hand-out.  Any project not submitted in the specified manner will be treated as a no-submission.

 

·                     Late submissions will be penalised as set out below, unless an extension is approved by the course coordinator.

 

·                     In the event of illness or other extraordinary circumstances that prevent you from submitting a piece of work on time, or that you feel adversely affect the quality of the work you submit, it is important that you discuss your circumstances with the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements may be made .  You should complete an Application for Extension form (available from the Faculty Student Administration Office) for the Course Coordinator to approve. You will also need to provide suitable evidence of your illness or other circumstances.  In an emergency, or if you are unable to contact the Course Coordinator, you should advise the Faculty Student Administration Office of your situation. Work submitted late must be submitted to the relevant tutor or Course Coordinator. 

 

PENALTIES

·                     Students are required to personally present their work on time at all scheduled reviews and in the location and specified format as set out in project outlines.  Failure to personally present work at any scheduled graded review will result in an automatic failing grade of E for the work being reviewed, unless an extension has been approved in writing in advance by the course coordinator.

 

·                     Late submissions will not be penalised in the event of illness or other extraordinary circumstances provided students have requested an extension of time in writing in advance of the scheduled review, and the course coordinator has similarly approved this in writing (see the Student Administration Office for an Application for Extension form).  Work submitted late without the prior agreement of the course coordinator will be penalised by a failing grade of E.

 

·                     Work submitted late must be submitted directly to the relevant tutor or course coordinator on time.  Any project work left on the project shelves or elsewhere will be entered on the grade sheet as a no-submission.   

 

 

MANDATORY COURSE REQUIREMENTS          

In addition to achieving an average of at least ‘C’ across all assessments, in order to pass the course you must also satisfy the following mandatory course requirements:

·                     Achieve a grade of ‘D” or higher for the Final Paper in Assignment 2

 

 

EXPECTED WORKLOAD

You should expect to spend a total of around 200 hours on this course, including both scheduled class time and independent study.  Typically this involves around 12-14 hours per week during the twelve teaching weeks, with the balance during the mid trimester break and study week. This means that in addition to scheduled class sessions you are expected to spend approximately
7-9 hours per week reading, writing and conducting independent study.

 

READINGS

Refer to back of Course Outline for a list of all Readings and Reference Material.

 

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Students will need to provide all materials and equipment as necessary for completion of your essay, assignments and the presentations. You should expect to need photocopying, access to computers with Word processing and an Internet Connection. All submissions for Assignment 2 are to be typed. You may find it advantageous to purchase some of the key books used in this course.

 

Students will need to provide all materials and equipment as necessary for the completion of required drawings, models, and photographic representations. 

 

It is recommended that you purchase a laptop although computer facilities are available at the School.  If you are purchasing a laptop and would like information on the minimum requirements please contact the Student Administration Office.  While digital cameras are available at the school, it is also recommended that students consider purchasing a simple digital camera (3.2mpxl minimum).  Note: The Student Loan, administered by StudyLink, allows students to claim up to $1000 for course related costs for each year of study.

 

COMMUNICATION OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Any changes or additions to this Course Outline will be discussed and agreed with the class, and conveyed in writing to all students enrolled in the course. Any notices will be posted on the Course blog: www.mediazone.co.nz/blogs08/DMDN271/

 

TE ARO CAMPUS BUILDING RULES AND FACILITIES

Students on the Te Aro Campus are required to comply with the Te Aro Building Rules relating to the use and care of the Architecture and Design facilities, and consideration for other building users.  These are available on the School website, and include requirements relating to:

·                     Workshop safety

·                     Care of studio spaces

·                     Use of spray booths

·                     Use and storage of toxic & flammable substances

·                     Cell phones and music

·                     Policy on alcohol on campus

·                     Non-smoking policy

·                     Destruction of unclaimed work

 

For more detailed information please acquaint yourself with the following:

 

Te Aro Campus Student Safety Handbook R:\Student Health and Safety Information\FAD Safety Handbook, and Technical Services Guide 2008.pdf

 

School Technical Facilities including technical staff and their associated areas - http://www.vuw.ac.nz/architecture/facilities/index.aspx

 

GENERAL UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND STATUTES

Students should familiarise themselves with the University’s policies and statutes, particularly the Assessment Statute, the Personal Courses of Study Statute, the Statute on Student Conduct and any statutes relating to the particular qualifications being studied; see the Victoria University Calendar·         an oral or written warning

·         cancellation of your mark for an assessment or a fail grade for the course

·         suspension