This schedule will undergo change! 

Depending on the depth of student interest and expertise in various areas of 3D modeling, this schedule will be updated online as the course progresses. Students will be notified of any changes in assignment due-dates.

This course will provide an introduction to 3D modeling techniques and applications in arts, design, architecture, biovisualization, and computer science (amongst other fields). Students will explore object modeling, 3D scanning (through photogrammetry), environment construction (ie, virtual set design), surface texturing, lighting, image rendering, and basic camera animation. Advanced lessons will focus on detailed surface mapping and fine-tuning topology. Through lectures, tutorials, and in-class projects, students will come to develop a multi-purpose skill set that may be used for innovative content creation such as for filmic animation and compositing, previsualization of designed objects and sculptural installations, and other cross-media explorations such as virtual worlds design and digital printing.

The 3D Space I class will concentrate on modeling and still image output. 3D Space II, taught in the Spring, is a continuation of 3D Space II and introduces animation, dynamics (including particle and fluid systems), rigging, and an introduction to scripting for generative systems.

• Understand how visual information is created and produced in 3D

• Model complex objects and environments

• Apply and create materials that control surface appearence

• Render images that showcase your creative talent and personal aesthetic

• Willingness to experiment and take genuine artistic risks.

• Ability to be resourceful and seek out help when needed.

• Participation in all class activities (discussions, workshops, labs, etc.) is very important and will be monitored closely.

• Your participation in group critiques is vital to the experience of the class and your evolution as an artist. Each student will be required to give a verbal presentation of their work as well as critique the work of their classmates.

• You are encouraged to share knowledge amongst yourselves during lab times - remember, there's much you can learn from each other. Please be respectful, however, if someone is working hard and needs to concentrate.

• Taking notes in class is essential and will help you remember what you've learned when you are working on your own time.

• If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get notes from your peers. Do not ask a faculty to re-teach a class for you.

• Please do not read email or surf the web during lectures and discussions - it's distracting to all of us!

This class focuses on the imaginative use of 3D modeling + texturing softwares and techniques. The series of assignments given is constructed to allow you to build a large project over the course of the term if desired. Click on each of the assignments below for further explanation of their content. There will be smaller, tutorial-based assignments schedule alongside these project assignments.

Assignment 1 – Polygon Modeling: Create a complete and complex environment, with playblasted camera fly-through.

Assignment 2 – Lighting and Texturing / Materials: Using previously constructed models, populate a chosen environment with a full set of sophisticated materials.

Assignment 3 – UV Mapping: Create two complex virtual sculptural works and be prepared to discuss them in class.

Assignment 4 – Advanced Lighting and Atmospherics: Expanding upon your "set design", further populate your environment and refine the textures and lighting to as sophisticated a degree as possible

Assignment 5 – Final Project: Rendered environment multiples. Using a series of high-resolution images or a animated camera footage, complete one of the following: 1. Create a complete visualization of a complex situated artwork or 2. Create a multi-layered, multi-faceted environment that stands as a finished art piece of it's own.

• Comprehension of concepts and integration of artistic goals and technical skills learned.

• Participation in discussions, lab sessions, and all aspects of class.

• Amount of time spent and depth of engagement with material.

• Ability to use the techniques introduced in class in an innovative and inventive manner for creative assignments.

• Personal initiative and artistic development over the length of the semester.

• Participation is worth 7% of your grade, including your productivity during lab time, workshops, discussions, critiques, and active engagement with all aspects of the class.

• Together, the Project assignments equal 40% of the total grade.

• The final project will count towards 25% of your total grade.

• There will be tutorial homework assignments to help you gain technical skill. These are worth 20% cumulatively

• An in-class presentation will count towards 8% of your total grade and are graded upon the insight, depth, and breadth of research included in the presentationt.

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• Assignments submitted after the due date will be penalized one letter grade. No assignments will be accepted for credit later than one week beyond the the due date. However, you may still hand them in.

• Extra credit can/ will be given in the case where the work done goes well beyond the parameters of the assignment.

• Attendance is manditory. Lectures cannot be made up outside of class. The instructor will not be available to personally re-teach a class to a student who has been absent.


• Be considerate of other classmates and show up on time for class! Late arrivals are disruptive for everyone. Being late to class two times will be considered as one unexcused absence.


• Even though the instructor keeps attendence records, it is the student's responsibility to also keep track of their absences and late arrivals. The instructor may - but is not obligated to - notify the student if their total number of absences is nearing critical.


• Students are expected to utilize work time during class productively. If a student leaves class early without approval from the instructor, they will be marked as absent or tardy - even if it is a "work in class" day or the instructor's lecture is completed before the class period ends.



	one absence	=	no penalty except for loss of instruction
	two absences	=	grade lowered 1/2 letter grade
	three absences	=	grade lowered one letter grade. In addition, a 20 minute presentation to the class on a topic not already covered in class and one that is pre-approed by the instructor will be required
	four absences	=	whether the absences were cleared in advance or not, four absences will result in an automatic failure

• Clean up after yourself.

• You are responsible for your data! Back it up, store it in multiple locations, burn it to a disk, do whatever you have to do to ensure it's integrity. It is NOT recommended that you leave any data except for copies (not originals!) of the assignments on the server disk space of the lab.

• HOURS POSTED ON THE NMA LAB FRONT DOOR and NMA LAB WEBSITE

• Lab Assistants are available to help during regular, posted hours.

• Projects created in this course may be used by the Department for purposes of promotion for students, the Department, or the University in general. The Department may also use these materials for instructional purposes in future courses.