Welcome To Studiomaven!
Studiomaven is an online platform that targets students of environmental design and facilitates the peer-to-peer exchange of representational techniques, software tutorials, and other skill-training material relevant to studio practice. We are supported by an instructional improvement grant at UC Berkeley.
For more information, please contact us at admin [at] studiomaven {dot} org.
Workflows
Contain pages that discuss generalizable ways of using representational tools and techniques toward specific ends. Material here is presented in a problem-driven manner.
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Creating a Tilt Shift Rendering Using Photoshop
Tilt shift renderings are used to make a normal environment appear in miniature. This tutorial will go through the steps necessary to create a tilt shift rendering using Photoshop. -
Best Practices in 3d Modeling - Jigs and Construction Geometry
This workflow details methods for the use of construction geometry and "jigs" in 3d modeling as a way of ensuring consistently, accuracy, and agility in adapting to changing design parameters. The utility of construction geometry will be demonstrated through the case-study of modeling a 3d kayak based on 2d contour information. -
Lighting Adjustments & Select Pixel Editing in Photoshop
This workflow teaches Photoshop as a tool for adjusting lighting properties within separate layers and manipulating select pixel groupings for an overall photorealistic effect. Adjustment Layers (including filters and transparencies) and basic pixel editing are emphasized. Students will learn an efficient process in lighting adjustments and pixel editing which can be used throughout the design process; from concept development through presentation renderings.
Exercises
Contain pages that describe exercises that test student's knowledge of representational methods discussed here on Studiomaven.
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Creating a 3d Kayak
Using a set of standard 2D hull construction drawings, students will construct a 3d model of a Guillemot S-Series Kayak. This task will require the use of 3-dimensional translation, precise geometric positioning and orientation, and the use of construction geometry to produce high-level forms. Students will be provided with a vector-format representation of the hull contours (already traced), and will be expected to produce a complete surface model (as a minimum) in the time allotted. -
Model the Villa Savarnsworth House
Use an array of curve and surface editing tools to create a 3d model of a House from 2d plans and elevations. Fit the building into the context of the site and practice manipulating the site. -
Illustrator: Layout Composition + Line Weights
This exercise will focus on page layout and line weights through the use of guides, alignment tools, and stroke adjustments. -
Illustrator Template Set-up
This exercise will introduce students to the Illustrator interface. Students will create an Illustrator File Template with a Title Block (with name, email, section), that will be used for all future files submitted for weekly exercises. -
Setting up Files for Physical Site Modeling
Students will choose ONE of three physical modeling methods: laminating, unfolding, or surface modeling. They will then use the Potrero Hill digital site model to prepare cut files for a physical model at 1/8" scale. Emphasis is placed both on precision and technique as well as the chosen method's ability to reinforce design intent.
Tools
Containing pages that detail representational tools and pieces of software commonly employed in architectural production. Material here is presented in a process-driven manner.
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Grasshopper
A visual node-based scripting tool that is a plug-in for Rhino. This used to be called 'Explicit History' for Rhino and a good way to describe it's usefulness is that it allows you to record a series of commands, where each step can be tied to a parameter for later adjustment. -
InDesign CS5
Used to create documents for plotting and printing. Templates can be created to manage multiple pages, especially for books. -
Plotters and Printers
Plotters are computer printers used to print vector graphics. In the past, plotters were used in architectural applications, though they have generally been replaced with wide-format conventional printers. It is now commonplace to refer to such wide-format printers as "plotters," even though they technically aren't. -
Rhinoceros
Digital modeling software for 3D modeling using NURBS geometry. Models can be rendered using additional software, or translated into 2D drawings. -
Rhinoceros for OSX
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