Applied Studies (APST) 220
3D Modeling, Digital Representation & Presentation (Revision 2)

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Delivery Mode: Individualized study online (with eText)
APST 220 3D Modeling, Digital Representation & Presentation is intended for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science Architecture program at the RAIC Centre for Architecture at Athabasca University.
Credits: 3
Area of Study: Applied Studies
Prerequisite: APST 215
Centre: RAIC Centre for Architecture
Faculty: Faculty of Science & Technology
Overview
APST 220: 3D Modeling, Digital Representation, and Presentation provides students with graphic skills that are essential to many tasks in design and construction documentation. In this course you will develop your understanding and practice of modeling, spatial analysis, photography, presentation, and publication through the use of both digital and traditional tools and approaches. Throughout the course you may wish to maintain a personal sketchbook (which will not be graded).
This course walks you through techniques of model-making and drafting to develop complex shapes. Through video demonstrations, readings, and assignments, you will practice the physical and technical skills used to produce and understand architectural models. Using a case study of an existing architectural structure, you will learn to analyze the architecture within the context of technologies and form. In addition, you will learn how to photograph architectural structures and landscapes and to digitally edit them, with the ultimate intent of presenting and publishing materials.
Course Outline
The six units in the course are listed below:
- Unit 1 Polyhedron Modeling
- Unit 2 Spatial Model Composition
- Unit 3 The Barcelona Pavilion
- Unit 4 Concept Diagrams
- Unit 5 Architectural Montage
- Unit 6 Presentation and Publication
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery using computer technologies.
- Through analysis and model-building, interpret the architectural concepts of an architectural structure.
- Integrate and apply technical competencies using photography and computer-assisted technologies.
- Using visual and written media, demonstrate an understanding of critiquing spatial form and functions in design and presentation.
Evaluation
Your work in this course will be evaluated based on six assignments. Instructions for submission are provided in each assignment. The table below provides weighting for the assignments:
Assignment | Due | Weight |
---|---|---|
Assignment 1 | Unit 1 | 15% |
Assignment 2 | Unit 2 | 10% |
Assignment 3 | Unit 3 | 20% |
Assignment 4 | Unit 4 | 15% |
Assignment 5 | Unit 5 | 20% |
Assignment 6 | Unit 6 | 20% |
Total | 100% |
A final course grade of 67% or higher is required to pass the course.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
Textbook
Registration in this course includes an electronic textbook. For more information on electronic textbooks, please refer to our eText Initiative site.
Ching, Francis D.K. (2010.) Design drawing (2nd ed.). New Jersey: Wiley. (eText) (Instructions for downloading this book are included in your course package.)
A print version of the eText may be available for purchase from the publisher through a direct-to-student link provided on the course website; you can also acquire the textbook on your own if you wish.
Software
In order to complete APST 220 you will require access to image processing, vector graphic, and graphic layout software. Students may use their choice of preferred software or may elect to purchase the industry standard Adobe packages (Photoshop, illustrator, and Indesign) from the following website:
https://www.adobe.com/ca/creativecloud/plans.html
Drawing/Modelling Materials and Tools
The course package contains one set of materials, listed below, which you will use to perform assignments:
- white or beige 2-ply card stock
- tracing paper
- stainless steel knife
- masking tape
- white glue
- modeling set square
- 0.30 mm precision felt pen (or similar)
- 2H pencil or mechanical pencil, compass, protractor, ruler
- scale ruler
- coloured markers and/or pencil crayons
No replacement materials will be provided.
Tools and Equipment
In order to complete APST 220 students will require access to the following additional tools and equipment (not included in the course package):
- digital camera (SLR preferred)
- drawing board, 18” X18” (recommended).
Example: https://www.deserres.ca/en/scpad on the Deserres website. - white foam core board, white (FB3240AF-2) 32” x 40”.
Example: https://www.deserres.ca/en/foamb on the Deserres website. - clear plastic sheet.
Example: https://www.deserres.ca/en/clearlay-sheet-cl-010-20in-x50in on the Deserres website. - self-healing cutting mat, 18” x 24” (45.75cm x 60.96cm) or larger preferable.
Example: https://www.deserres.ca/en/dtcd on the Deserres website.
Course Home Page (online): The course home page houses all the online components of your course.
Study Schedule (online): The study schedule on your course home page includes the Course Information, the six units of the Study Guide, links to the online readings, and links to your assignments.
Study Guide (online): The Study Guide units are embedded in the Study Schedule on the course home page.
Assignments (online): The assignments are on the course home page, along with helpful instructions.
Forms: Forms you may need are available through the myAU portal.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 2, May 16, 2016.
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