Architectural CAD Lab: ARCH 426 Overview

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Instructor:
Credit: 3 Hour
Prerequisite: ARCH 425 - Computer-Aided Design in Practice

COURSE OBJECTIVE

To review 3D computer-aided modeling and presentation concepts as used in the practice of architectural design. The basic goal is to demonstrate, with extensive use of a PC CAD system, how emerging computer graphics technology can best used in architectural design, presentation, and production.

NAAB CRITERIA COVERED: 14,16,40,41,42,43,48,53

TEACHING METHOD

The course consists of a series of lectures and labs. The lectures cover basic 3D CAD concepts related to the exercises. The labs are used to work on the exercises. The exercises cover modeling building techniques, how to organize 3D information, how 3D CAD is used in presentations, and extensions to 3D CAD use, such as, rapid prototyping, animation and virtual reality.

All aspects of 3D CAD are demonstrated, including model building methods, rendering techniques, lighting, material assignments, painting techniques, introduction to composition techniques, merging 2D and 3D drawings, animation, and the creation of topographic models. A wide range of 3D CAD systems are discussed in class so students get a good overview of current CAD technology.

Each student is assigned a personal computer using AutoCAD, AutoVision, and in-house developed topographic modeling software.

EVALUATION

Students are evaluated by 16 modeling drawing exercises, 1 major individual project. Work is evaluated according to:

TEXT

COURSE CONTENT

Week #1

Week #2

Introduction to 3-D Modeling	Introduction to 3-D modeling concepts
	Read Glassner Modeling chapters

Week #3

Creating Basic Objects	Introduction to AutoCAD 3D software concepts
	Review object creation and view setting
	Complete Basic Objects

Week #4

Using Lines to Model Structures	Review modify options Move, Copy and Rotate
	Review create symbol option
	Frames and Trusses Exercise
	Space Frames Exercise

Week #5

Building a Simple Model	Review Layer options
	Review Polyline Extrude and Region options
	Complete Structural System Exercise
	Complete Turning a Corner Exercise

Week #6

Creating Symbols	Review methods to create and save 3D symbols
	Review creating openings in planes
	Complete Walls and Openings Exercise

Week #7

Developing Views	Review View options
	Review moving AutoCAD 3D views to AutoCAD 2D
	Complete Views Exercise, view development, merging views, animation
	Read File Format and Presentation Options pages

Week #8

Week #9

Creating Roofs	Review 3D Surface options
	Complete Roofs Using Thin Planes Exercise
	Complete Roofs Using Thick Planes Exercise
	Complete Roofs Using Volumes Exercise
	Complete Roofs Using Surfaces Exercise

Week #10

Creating Complex Volumes	Review surface of revolution and torus options
	Complete Creating Swept Volumes

Week #11

Creating Solids	Review creating solid objects
	Review solid operations; union, subtract, intersection, cut, and cross section
	Create Basic Solid Objects
	Create Models Showing Union, Subtract, and Intersection
	Create Solid Structural Members
	Create Model Showing Cut and Cross Section

Week #12

Creating Site Models Using Topographic Data	Review programing methods to create models
	Review rapid prototyping methods
	Complete Site Model Exercise

Week #13

Model Rendering Using AutoVision	Review rendering concepts
	Review selection of materials, selection of lighting, sun location and special effects
	Complete Rendering Exercise
	Read Describing Color pages
	In Glassner read the following rendering chapters: Materials and Their Properties, pages 53 - 59 Lighting and Shading, pages 61 - 70 Textures, pages 87 - 98 Types of Rendering Algorithms, pages 131 - 138 Rendering Algorithms, pages 139 - 158