Syllabus

Syllabus
ARC 4058
Introduction to Digital Design
Instructor: Erik P. Sundquist
e-mail: erik.sundquist@fiu.edu
Fall 2010 8/23- 12/08
Mondays and Wednesdays 6:20- 7:35


Course Description:
The course will be organized as a series of software introduction seminars that will focus on computer applications in architecture concerning a technique driven mode of spatial and material production that would lead students towards a coherent final project. Students will be guided through the essentials of digital CAD drawing along with the basics of polygon and NURBS modeling. The course will follow with introductions to graphic presentation principles—drawing layout and rendering, lighting conditions, camera setup and the basics of material emulation.

Course Objectives:
The main educational value of this course is the development of an individual and successful architectural language that serves as a base for the following years in the School of Architecture. The class will serve as a source for graphic standards and will provide students with the digital skills that are necessary to progress toward a continually expanding repertoire of both abstract and pictorial, literal graphical and visual language.

Applied Software:
Auto CAD 2009 or 2010, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Rhinoceros 4
(Free trial versions of these software can be downloaded from the web)

Required Text:
Autocad and Its Applications: Basics by Terrence Shumaker
Inside Rhinoceros 4 (or version 3) by Ron K.C. Cheng

Course Evaluation:
Grading will be based on the University System.

The final grade will be determined on the following basis:
Class Participation (attendance + verbal participation +blog) 20%
Assignments 40%
Final Presentation 40%
Students will be evaluated upon performance in their assignments and projects; while a satisfactory grade in the course may be attained by the completion of all work required to the satisfaction of the professor. Individual initiative and investigation of design and research issues that extend beyond the basic requirements are strongly encouraged.
Grades:
94-100= A 87-89= B+ 80-83= B- 74-76= C 67-69= D+ 60-63= D-
90-93 = A- 84-86= B 77-79= C+ 70-73= C- 64-66= D 0-59 = F




Class Standards:
Attendance and class participation are required at all class meetings (see Course Schedule). Four (4) unexcused absences automatically result in a failing grade for the course. Every absence is 20% off of the attendance and
participation grade. Every day you are late, you will receive half (1/2) an absence. An acceptable excused absence is defined by the student having missed class due to extraordinary circumstances beyond his or her control and must be accompanied by written proof. In the event that you miss a class, you are responsible for all material covered. No late work will be accepted. Being absent at a final review will result in a failing grade.

Student Rights and Responsibilities:
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain, become familiar with, and abide by all Departmental, College and University requirements and regulations. These include but are not limited to:
-The Florida International University Catalog Division of Student Affairs Handbook of Rights and Responsibilities
-Departmental Curriculum and Program Sheets
-Departmental Policies and Regulations

Student Work:
The School of Architecture reserves the right to retain any and all student work for the purpose of record, exhibition and instruction. All students are encouraged to photograph and/or copy all work for personal records prior to submittal to instructor.

Civility Clause:
Students and are expected to treat one another with a high degree of civility
and respect. Students can and should expect the same from the instructor. If a
student fails to act responsibly or in a many that disrupts the class or impedes
instruction for his/her colleagues, she or he may be asked to leave the class
and will still be held responsible for all relevant information missed through
this absence.

Students With Special Needs:
Students who may need auxiliary aids or services to ensure access to academic
programs should register with the Office of Disability Services for Students.
The following schedule is subject to change.


Week 1
8/23 Introduction to AutoCad
8/25 Auto interface and Assignment 1

Week 2
8/30 Basic Drawing Tools-
9/01 Line weights, line types, Layers

Week 3
9/06 Labor Day
9/08 Workshop

Week 4
9/13 Workshop
9/15 Workshop



Week 5
9/20 Workshop
9/22 Workshop

Week 6
9/27 Workshop
9/29 Workshop

Week 7
10/04 Plotting
10/06 AutoCad drawings due

Week 8 Last week to drop with DR
10/11 Introduction to Rhino
10/13 Rhino Workspace

Week 9
10/18 Basic tools
10/20 Basic operations

Week 10
10/25 Workshop
10/27 Workshop

Week 11
11/01 Workshop
11/03 Workshop

Week 12
11/08 Workshop
11/10 3D model due

Week 13
11/15 Introduction to Vray
11/17 Introduction to Photoshop

Week 14
11/22 Layout
11/24 Workshop

Week 15- No class- Final Juries

Week 16
12/06 Final due
12/08 Final due