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Unit of study_

MARC6102: 3D Computer Design Modelling

Semester 2, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study consolidates students' knowledge of advanced concepts in digital modelling, visualisation media and digital fabrication techniques available for architectural design. The unit develops conceptual understanding of generative geometric logic through a case study analysis followed by a small design project. Students will explore the practical applications of the digital geometry they create using commercial modelling and rendering packages in conjunction with the digital fabrication equipment available in DMaF. It will help students: generate sophisticated digital geometry through pre-packaged techniques and scripting processes, assign colour and texture information, generate sophisticated images for visualization purposes and fabricate prototypes. At the conclusion of this unit students should be conversant with 3D modelling, photo-rendering and digital fabrication terminology and be able to generate complex 3D models. Class preparation: 3 hours/week, assessment preparation 8 hours/semester.

Unit details and rules

Unit code MARC6102
Academic unit Architecture
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Anastasia Globa, anastasia.globa@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Eduardo De Oliveira Barata, eduardo.barata@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment 1. Biological relationships
Assignment
30% Week 04
Due date: 18 Sep 2020 at 23:00
20 page PDF, video 15 sec
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment group assignment 2. Hybrid prototypes
Assignment & Presentation Project presentation: 20/10/2020
30% Week 08
Due date: 23 Oct 2020 at 23:00
20 page PDF 10min presentation 3D model
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment group assignment 3. Performative Outcomes
Assignment & Presentation Project presentation: 17/11/2020
40% Week 12
Due date: 01 Dec 2020 at 23:00
20 page PDF 10min Unity presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Biological relationships: Working individually, students will produce a series of 3D digital models using Grasshopper which, describe your biological typology assembly based on your reference research. Students will be required to define the parametric logic and attributes of the assembly using diagrams, line drawings, shaded renders and text.
  • Hybrid prototypes: Students will work in teams of two developing a hybrid of their individual work. Students will need to demonstrate the development of their spatial typologies at the scale of the body. An understanding of how the study operates as a performative structure in relation to the body will be investigated through diagrams, line drawings, renders, basic animation, text and a physical model.
  • Performative Outcomes: Students will continue to work within their team further developing their body scale strategy and its performative capabilities. Students will test their proposal through a series of chosen plugins. Further to this, students will output their findings to Unity and test a number of spatial scenarios using the softwares plugins. Students will present their work to the class in the form of a video presentation outputted from Unity.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical
analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis,
synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.

Credit

65 - 74

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the
learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the
learning outcomes assessed.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes
assessed.

Fail

0 - 49

Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the
learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submission penalties will apply as per the universities policy.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 [Task 1.1] The Biological Typology & Pattern Variation Introduction to tutors & semester brief. Introduction to Rhino & Grasshopper plugin. Explaining the idea behind algorithmic Design Patterns and re-use of knowledge. Tutorial (3 hr) LO1
Week 02 [Task 1.2] Spatial Arrays Intermediate Grasshopper and design workflow. Continuation of component relationships, datasets and data trees. Tutorial (3 hr) LO1
Week 03 [Task 1.3] Spatial Composites Expanding on the booklet structure, content, layout and design for Assessment 1 submission.Progress Review Session. Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 [Task 1.4] Fields and forces – Assessment 1 (30%) Due Introducing Assessment 2: Hybrid or Chimera of assignment 1 Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 [Task 2.1] Recursions and Fractals Progress review session Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 [Task 2.2] Hybrid Volumes Review of assessment 1 submissions. Advanced concepts in Grasshopper and begin reviewing additional plugins from food4rhino Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 [Task 2.3] Rendering Introduction Intro to the rendering within Rhino developing strategies for material mapping and lighting and animation Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 [Task 2.4] Hybrid Prototypes - Assignment 2 Submission due. Presentation Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 [Task 3.1] Unity Hybrid or Chimera of assignment 2 applied on a different scale – as an immersive environment. Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 [Task 3.2] Unity Continued Animation, particle systems, physics, advanced shaders and post processing techniques available within Unity. Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 [Task 3.3] Immersive environments & Group Feedback Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 [Task 3.4] Assignment 3 Submission due Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Online software modules: In this course students, will be learning how to use the McNeel Rhinoceros 6.0 software for 3D
modelling and its associated visual scripting plugin Grasshopper. The course material delivered in class will be supplemented by the online courses offered by the Archistar Academy. Archistar has Essentials, Designer and Advanced modules for both Rhino and Grasshopper and a number of other programs, which are comprised of a collection of short and easy-to-follow video tutorials. At the end of each training module there is an online exam offered by Archistar, which students must pass in order to obtain a certificate of completion. These certificates are recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects and can be included as part of a CV for employers. Students must complete the Essentials, Designer and Advanced modules for both Grasshopper in order to pass MARC6102. The modules must be completed outside of class time and certificates submitted as part of assessments 1 and 2.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

  • Leah, N, Farahi, B, 2017, 3D Printed Body Architecture, John Wiley & Sons.
  • Aranda, B. & Lasch, C. 2006, Pamphlet Architecture 27: Tooling, Princeton Architectural Press.
  • Burry, J. & Burry M. 2010, The New Mathematics of Architecture, Thames & Hudson.
  • Burry, M. 2013, Scripting Cultures: Architectural Design and Programming, John Wiley & Sons.
  • Carpo, M. 2011, The Alphabet and the Algorithm, MIT Press.                    
  • Hensel, M. & Menges, 2008, Versality and Vicissitude, John Wiley & Sons.
  • Terzidis, K. 2006, Algorithmic Architecture, Oxford Press.
  • Kolarevic, B. 2003, Architecture in a Digital Age; Design and Manufacturing, Spoon Press

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. exercise critical thinking in order to empirically and creatively research a pre-existing system/precedent
  • LO2. demonstrate competency in 3D modelling and scripting concepts through Rhino and Grasshopper and associated software literacy
  • LO3. utilise an understanding of the parametric process in order to produce multiple imaginative solutions to a design problem
  • LO4. utilise rendering software and post production techniques to successfully communicate through a carefully crafted visualisation.
  • LO5. integrate knowledge gained about computational strategies to the design process to enable creative and innovative solutions at various scales

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
3.1. Design response integrates the objectives of brief, user intent and built purpose.
3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options.
LO2
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
3.8. Application of manual and digital graphic techniques and modelling to describe three-dimensional form and spatial relationships.
LO3
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content.
LO4
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content.
3.8. Application of manual and digital graphic techniques and modelling to describe three-dimensional form and spatial relationships.
LO5
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options.
3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Additional costs

Additional costs will be incurred for physical outputs using the digital fabrication equipment in DMAF.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.