Course:Arch 100A Fundamentals of Architectural Design 2013 Spring

Arch 100A Fundamentals of Architectural Design 2013 Spring
Course Number	Arch 100A
Course Name	Fundamentals of Architectural Design
Instructor	William Di Napoli
Institution	UC Berkeley
Semester	2013 Spring
Is Active	No
Sessions	Here we will list all the Sessions tied to this course. Week 1 - Double Negative 1 , Week 2 - Double Negative 2 , Week 3 - Analytic + Axonometric Drawing

This course provides an overview of the methods and applications of digital representation in contemporary architectural design. Three pedagogical objectives guide our exploration:

Awareness of context: An understanding of the diversity of approaches to digital architectural representation
Proficiency in technical canon: A fluency in the digital methods typically employed in design practice
Capacity for appropriate application: A mature and controlled relationship with a range of digital forms and formats.

Course Themes

The course is organized into three thematic areas, presented in both lecture and workshop formats, and framed as a drawing practice appropriate for situations students are likely to encounter as practicing architects. Each week will consist of a lecture introducing a specific topic or skill that will later be explored in smaller group workshops during the second half of the session, followed by a weekly assignment. These themes will include:

Geometric Description: Covering 2d and rudimentary 3d techniques of describing architectural form using the geometric elements of point, line, curve, surface, and solids. Emphasis will be placed on the utility of moving between drawings of limited-dimensionality (such as between plans, sections, and 3d models). Techniques derived from a hand-drawn tradition will be introduced alongside 2d CAD drafting and basic 3d CAD modeling.

Diagramming: Presenting a wide survey of contemporary uses of diagrammatic techniques, both in the service of analysis and as the basis of design. Two-dimensional computer drafting, raster and vector graphic techniques will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining precision and detailed drawing skills.

Visualization + Presentation: Portraying the phenomenological experience of architecture via perspectival-based representations and understanding the importance of style and presentation. Step-by-step perspective drawing skills will be overviewed alongside digital modeling and post-processing techniques and collage. Techniques for presentation will be introduced that aid in situating an architectural proposition within the larger discipline and prepare a design proposal for consumption by a non-architectural audience.

Course Schedule

Week 0 - Orientation

Weeks 1 - 3: Double Negative

Week 1 - Double Negative 1

Feb 01

Course Overview. Introduction to Rhino + NURBS Modeling. Creating a model via solid modeling, basic surface commands and Boolean operations.

Week 1 Lab: Digitally Modeling an existing Physical Model.

Week 2 - Double Negative 2

Feb 08

Extracting linework + creating drawings from digital models (abstract). Digital lineweights + standards. Exporting to Illustrator.

Week 2 Lab: From previous digital model, create plans + sections.

Week 3 - 3d Drawing Extraction

Feb 15

Drawing extraction from 3d models. 3d Views: Axonometric, Isometric, Exploded Drawings. Composite drawings using simple renders.

Week 6 Lab: Creating an axonometric drawing from an existing model.

Weeks 4-7: Project Two

Week 4 - 3d Site Modeling

Feb 22

Modeling + drawing the site. 3d modeling tools reviewed. Extracting site information from 3d models.

Week 4 Lab: Creating a Site Section Drawing

Week 5 - 3d Building Modeling

Mar 01

Introduction to 3d modeling in Rhino with specificity towards a building model. Modeling from Lines to Surfaces. How to keep a model "clean" and organized while also exact. Surface editing tools.

Week 5 Lab: Model the Villa Savarnsworth House.

Week 6 - 3d Drawing Extraction

Mar 08

Drawing extraction from 3d models. Architectural standards overview - why we use them. Cleaning up linework. Organizational tools.

Week 6 Lab: Manipulate Site Surfaces to Fit a New Design

Week 7 - Intro to VRay

Mar 15

Saving views + rendering using Vray. Adding and controlling sunlight. Photoshop adjustments and adding materials. Composing the render with linework in Illustrator.

Week 7 Lab: Render design in site with sunlight and adjust the image as needed in Photoshop.

Weeks 8 - 14: Final Project

Week 8 - Physical Site Model Building and Drawing Extraction

Mar 22

Overview of different model making strategies and techniques. Using Rhino to assist in fabrication..

Week 8 Lab: Setting up files for a physical model

Week 9 - Advanced Rhino Modeling

Apr 05

Overview of Rhino modeling thus far, highlighting common mistakes and how to avoid them. Discussion of modeling for different purposes - creating drawings, diagrams or renders. Presentation of advanced Rhino editing tools.