Arch 6426: 3D Modeling

The intention of this course is to introduce students to principles of 3D computer visualization and animation. Students learn basic concepts on the example of Autodesk VIZ4 software from Autodesk. Lighting, materials, texture mapping, virtual cameras are introduced incrementally as students work on the tutorials. Procedural materials, rendering, editing function and display functions is introduced in a process of modeling architectural interiors and exteriors. Students get an exposure to complex materials, animation techniques and basic scene composition.

The course is conducted in the computer lab environment. It meets for an hour and half, twice a week. During each session half the time is spent on introduction of a new material. Remaining time is spent on exercises. Students are using a PC type graphic workstation running Windows XP and Autodesk VIZ4 software from Autodesk. There is one student per station.

Pedagogic Objectives

• To introduce students to basic concept and structure of the computer visualization software
• To learn basic skills in operating visualization and animation software (Autodesk VIZ4)
• To learn basic skills in architectural animation
• To understand advantages and limitations of modeling/rendering software

Arch 6427: Advanced Modeling & Animation

The intention of this course is to introduce students to advanced 3D computer visualization and animation. Students learn advanced animation techniques on the example of VIZ4 and 3DS MAX R5/R6 from Autodesk. They learn video editing and composition principles on a Non-Linear Editing (NLE) system (Premiere 6 and Media Studio) and Video Post in 3DS MAX. Procedural materials, systems, ray-tracing rendering, editing function and display functions are introduced in a process of modeling architectural interiors and exteriors. Students get an exposure to complex materials and mapping, advanced animation techniques, scene composition, video editing and special effects.

The course is conducted in the computer lab environment (IMAGINE Lab). It meets for an hour and half, twice a week. During each session half the time is spent on introduction of a new material. Remaining time is spent on exercises. Students are using a PC type graphic workstation running WindowsXP and primarily VIZ4/VIZ2005 and 3DS MAX R5/R6 software from Autodesk and Discreet. There is one student per station.

Pedagogic Objectives

• To introduce students to advanced concepts of computer animation
• To introduce students to basic concept of NLE, video composition, storyboard and special effects
• To learn basic skills in NLE software and advanced visualization and animation software
• To understand advantages and limitations of modeling/rendering/video editing software