COURSE OBJECTIVES

Return to course home page.

Extend working knowledge of 3D CAD using a variety of CAD programs with an emphasis on 3D solid modeling.
ARC603 proposes to be an introduction, but values the why much more than the how to. As such it is based on the principles rather than the procedures. It is knowledge based rather than skill based. It deals with the theoretical aspects of CAD, those general concepts that have been a constant in computing, and are likely to remain so. Thus the course is intended to provide a more complete understanding of a full featured 3D CAD system.

The course seeks to develop the student's understanding of the background theory of CAD.
A basic understanding of some of the theory which forms the basis of CAD will assist in understanding not only this CAD software program but any CAD program. It is assumed that the most appropriate and efficient use of CAD occurs when the user is knowledgeable about its theoretical foundations. It will also greatly assist in the ability to shift from one program to another. In other words, the hardware and software are very likely to change. The basic principles and the architectural applications are much more constant.

To explore the application of 3D CAD to the teaching and learning of architecture.
There is an assertion that underlies this part. It is commonly assumed that CAD can significantly assist in teaching architecture. This would suggest that the application of more computing would make students better architects. In fact, there is almost no evidence to support such a contention. Thus there is a tremendous amount of experimentation and exploration to be done to determine whether CAD can be anything more than a basic tool.

3D CAD is inherently complex and advanced integrated CAD is even more so. There is a very real limit to how much these tasks may be simplified. Mastery of them requires a good deal of experience. There are also many techniques available to the skilled user to assist in the performance of certain tasks. A goal here is make CAD as understandable as possible, but that is a long way from being highly skilled or proficient. There is only one way to do this: spend time with the system, lots of it! There is no other way. It is up to you, the student, to determine if proficiency is a worthwhile objective and if so, to devote the requisite time.