ARC 440/640 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS- RELATIONAL GEOMETRIES
SPRING 2006 FRI. 10-12:40
HAYES 302
Instructor: OMAR KHAN
Eligibility: Graduate Students that have passed ARC 611 or equivalent
Shop Training

Course Description:

This techniques seminar introduces students to the next generation of Computer Aided Design tools that allow for easy movement between digital design and rapid prototyping. The software environments that the seminar will introduce are Rhinoceros 3.0 and Gehry Technologies Digital Project while the rapid prototyping environments include the Universal Laser Cutter and the Dimension 3d Printer. We will begin by exploring the possibilities offered by NURBS modeling through Rhinoceros 3.0. Within this environment we will look at designing surface models with developable curves that can be flattened for export to the laser printer as well as the production of *.stl models for export to a 3D printer. We will further develop our geometries by using the parametric possibilities offered by Digital Project. This software will allow us to explore alternative geometrical relationships that better accommodate material and functional criteria.

The seminar will develop these investigations around the theme of interfacing natural and artificial geometries. Students will choose one of the following natural conditions: earth, water, light or wind as the site of their investigations. They will develop constructions that directly respond to these conditions.

Course Objectives and Outcomes:

The course’s objective is to use the next generation of digital design tools to develop productive techniques for architectural design. Students will become proficient in the use of these tools as well as cognizant of their potential affordances.

Course Outline: *

01.20.06    Introduction to NURBS modeling [Rhinoceros 3.0]
01.27.06    Development of natural geometries [Raster, Vector inputs]   LOG 1
02.03.06    Initial designs of geometries [Rhinoceros 3.0]
02.10.06    Development of responsive geometries [Rhinoceros 3.0]
02.17.06    Iterative studies of responsive geometries [Rhinoceros 3.0]   LOG 2
02.24.06    Development of design [Rhinoceros 3.0]
03.03.06    Initial Fabrication of design [Dimension 3D Printer]
03.10.06    Development of design detail [Rhinoceros 3.0]   LOG 3
03.17.06    SPRING BREAK
03.24.06    Initial Fabrication of detail [Universal laser Cutter]
03.31.06    Parametric relationship of design components [Digital Project]   LOG 4
04.07.06    Finalize design
04.14.06    Experiment with fabrication [Laser and/or 3D printer]    LOG 5
04.21.06    Fabricate 1/4” scaled model of design [Laser and/or 3D printer]
04.28.06    Final presentation    LOG 6

* This schedule is subject to change

References:

earth- http://www.robertsmithson.com/earthworks/ew.htm
http://www.unitedconcrete.com/retainingwalls/head_retaining.htm
wind- http://www.strandbeest.com/#
water- http://www.fondation-langlois.org/flash/e/index.php?NumPage=377
light- http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/mitchapel/