Advanced CAD / R.I.S.D. Industrial Design
Instructor: Brian James / bjames@risd.edu
Course site: https://sites.google.com/a/risd.edu/rhino/
Course Description
Computer aided design or "C.A.D." has become a major part of the product designers skill set. This area of ability includes digitally constructing three dimensional models of designs for manufacturing, prototyping and material visualization. There are many different CAD programs and associated rendering technologies available to choose from and a design firms decision of what to use often comes down to cost, availability and the experience of those who will use the program. One option in the family of "NURBS" or more simply, "surface and solid" modelers is called Rhinoceros or just Rhino for short. It is inexpensive, powerful and easy to learn. Rhino also communicates directly in many of the same file formats as those CAD packages used by mechanical engineers. This combination of attributes make it a good choice to learn for students looking to enter a design firm or start one of their own.
This course takes normal design students and turns them into phenomenal 3D modelers and renderers in a 12 week period of time. Enroll at your own risk.
Objectives
· Understanding the use of a Cartesian coordinate space
· Learn the practical application of Orthographic and Perspective projections
· Become familiar with the building blocks of geometry that form NURBS, SubD and Polygonal Mesh models
· Learn how to "Surface" model versus "Solid" model and then combine techniques
· Understand degrees of curvature continuity and why they matter in product design
· Learn how to light a model for rendering using various light types as well as "High Dynamic Range" image based lighting
· Create and edit physically based materials for rendering
· Explore "texture mapping" within object properties and materials
· Use a combination of parametric and non-parametric modeling paradigms
· Creativity through constructive problem solving... or, the art of not letting computers make you angry
Policies
1. Be on time: Repeatedly being late to class is disruptive and will cause you to miss important instructions for the next assignment.
2. Do the work: If you miss assignments you will have trouble with those that follow. Not making up missed assignments promptly will exponentially decrease what you learn.
3. Show up: Repeated absence will lower your grade and may cause failure. Refer to the official RISD policies for attendance for more information or speak with your department coordinator.
4. You must have a working computer: Our course site lists all hardware and software requirements for the class. Follow these instructions specifically or you will not be able to do the work required.
5. Show maturity: Avoid making excuses and practice taking constructive criticism.
6. Respect: Please show myself and your fellow students the same respect you'd like to receive. Don't get up and leave class for another appointment without asking. Share all work space and power outlets. Remove your trash from class when leaving. Don't constantly text, tweet, blog, search for unrelated subjects online or update your Facebook relationship status while in class.
Projects
Course assignments will change based on student interests and technology advances. In general, there are ten product design projects per semester requiring both 3D modeling and rendering. If needed, feel free to contact me for a detailed list of assignments during any given semester.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Rhode Island School of Design is committed to providing equal opportunity for all students. If you are a student with a disability that may require accommodations to complete the requirements of this class, I encourage you to discuss your learning needs with me during the first week of the term. Once an approval letter from the Office of Disability Support Services is submitted, accommodations will be provided as needed. For more information on how to receive accommodations, please contact Disability Support Services at 401 709-8460 or disabilitysupportservices@risd.edu.
DIVERSITY & CIVILITY:
It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course, that students' learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity:gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, culture, perspective, and other background characteristics. Your suggestions about how to improve the value of diversity in this course are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups. In addition, in scheduling exams, I have attempted to avoid conflicts with major religious holidays. If, however, I have inadvertently scheduled an exam or major deadline that creates a conflict with your religious observances, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can make other arrangements.