Abstract /
The invention of any “tool” brings with it two things:
the ability to facilitate the economic (time, money, quantity) aspects of a task, therefore providing an advantage over the already established method to complete the task; i.e. The ability do some something faster, cheaper, or in a more effective manner. as a result, the ability to manage a higher level of complexity with the same efficiency as the process prior to the implementation of the tool. The second trajectory, the ability to apply further complexity has resulted in a problematic situation based on its own premise, that is to say, each implementation of a tool will breed its own consequences.
Modern definitions for the word “tool” tend to privilege the tactility of a tool, in reference, for example, to a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task, or a machine that has a specific function to complete a task.3 In a way, these tools can be said to give us a mechanical advantage in accomplishing a task not otherwise possible within the given frame of time or the amount of available resources. So, for our purposes I will refer to the subject of these types of definitions as hardware. Some of the oldest “hardware” dates back to China approximately 1.36 million years ago. In fact, we have been fiddling with sticks and stones whilst growing out our thumbs for about 99% of known human history. Anthropologists group early human developmental stages with the tools that we were utilizing at the time. Hence the generalized Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age periods that can be observed in the fossil and artifacts records in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Beyond this we enter into what is called a Historical period. This is where we begin to find written accounts of history, and hence a shift in the nature of what we call TOOLS. Written historical records ENABLE us to understand the people of the past. Therefore, it can be said that this too, is a tool. Looking at broader definitions we find descriptions of software programs, for example, the layout tool in AutoCAD, an element of the program that activates and controls a particular function in the program. We can decompose the software example further and agree that in essence it these tools are logic organizations. In this case a language, alphabet, and mathematics can all be called “Tools.”
For our purposes I will group the tools which are logic based as software.
Course Outline /
In this introductory course we will survey contemporary design tools in order to ENABLE 3D and 2D strategies for design and representation. The tools utilized in this course will facilitate several issues including introducing common platforms for collaboration as well as exposing the student to potentially new workflows and design environments. The primary focus of the class will involve learning 3D modeling with McNeel’s Rhinoceros v4. The adoption of Rhino as the main 3D tool deals with its ability to interface with many different file formats. In many ways Rhino will act as the bridge between many applications, 3D and 2D alike. Rhino also has a rich list of plug-ins and other methods by which to extend its capabilities. Finally, Rhino has a vast community of users, thus allowing for various ways to seek help, find example files, and share the work completed in the class. Another aspect of the course will be to explore methods to represent the work coming from the other courses in conjunction with the skills learned in this course. Tools such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects will enable both static and motion based representation and has broad compatibility with the file formats available in Rhino.
There are a multitude of other tools that will be utilized throughout the course in order to complement the main 3D and 2D software packages. These tools include plug-ins for the main tools and small applications.
Throughout the entire course it is expected that students use the IaaC Blogging system to discuss their work progress. Blogging will also be introduced early on in the course.
Structure /
This class will begin with learning McNeel Rhinoceros v4. These introductory Rhino sessions will teach beginners and moderate users alike appropriate techniques for clean NURBS and MESH models. As the course progresses, stress will be placed on the representation of our 3D work through Adobe Illustrator and Adobe After Effects. Various other tools will be implemented along the way to enhance the
overall toolset including effective blogging techniques.
Outcomes /
After this course, the participants are expected to be able to:
. Understand how to effectively model clean geometry in Rhino
. Create and edit images and renderings of 3D models with 2D representation tools
. Be able to synthesize the output of various tools into one project
. Understand the resources available and how to find information when needed
