Lecture 8
 Univ of Oregon, Dept of Architecture, Intro to Architectural Computer Graphics
Nancy Cheng, 204c Pacific Hall, 346-3674 nywc@darkwing.uoregon.edu
Objective
 To understand principles and processes of architectural presentation
Presentation
 		 I. GRAPHIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES

A. Hierarchy: Actor at center stage vs. supporting cast

B. Consistency:

  • quiet background - multiples in similar framework
  • fonts from one family or with one contrasting one

C. Structure: layout grid or regulating lines / forms

D. Balance: symmetry or asymmetry.  Consider color density & type density

E. Breathing space

F. Narrative
Layout Process
 II. PRODUCTION PIPELINE

A. PLAN LAYOUT:

  • Sketch thumbnail layouts, develop one at 1/4 or 1/2 full size
  • Estimate component sizes
  • Plan color palette (accent color)

    Layout of multiple images

    • Sequential vs. Simultaneous
    • Key images for orientation
    • See Edward Tufte's Envisioning Information book

B. RESEARCH: output options, printer resolutions and set-up printer drivers

C. CREATE & EDIT COMPONENTS:

  • Digitally photograph models & scan images, improve in Photoshop
  • Create 3D model, setup views, create quick renderings for layout
  • (see below)

D. TEST LAYOUT

  • In Illustrator or Photoshop, create a new file at preferred size,
  • Position roughs
  • Use display fonts for headlines, body fonts for legible text
  • Use Postscript not TrueType fonts for greatest accuracy
  • TEST PRINT

E. FINALIZE COMPONENTS:

  • Use FormZ Imager to create final renderings to substitute into layout
  • Adjust line weights and tones for optimal contrast and color balance

F. PRINT:

  • Create Adobe Acrobat PDF file to compress large files:  Save to PDF OR Print to file Postscript .PS & drag onto Adobe Distiller
  • Buy Print Card (AAA UO Bookstore)
  • Print PDF of Poster to an AAA plotter (Wright, Kahn, Anthemios, etc.)
  • Release the file by going to the output room

G. REVISE as necessary

III. PREPARING COMPONENTS

Data from one application feeds other applications

  • 2D Pixels to 3D models: underlays, textures and backgrounds
  • 3D models to 2D vector drawings > hidden line rendering
  • 3D models > Pixels: renderings & screen shots

Scanning Tips

  • Printer device resolution in dots per inch ~ 3 x image pixels per inch
  • 600 dpi devices require 200 ppi images
    300 dpi devices require 100 ppi images
  • A 3" x 4" image printed on a 300 dpi laserprinter should be at least 300 x 400 pixels (larger images show more detail, have larger file sizes

In Photoshop, crop & improve images

  • Image menu > Adjust > Levels OR 
  • Levels palette > new Dodge or Burn layers
  • Watch pixelization in enlarging images: rescan for higher resolution

In FormZ, create plans and sections(orthographic views)

  • Set Axonometric (parallel rays) not Perspective (converging rays)
  • >>Clip Hither and Yon vs. 3D section
  • To Zoom view, adjust width of view tube
  • View Parameters: align target and eyepoints
  • Tips for printing FormZ renders to scale

Use FormZ Imager to create FormZ .FMZ or Illustrator .AI hidden line drawings & .TIFF renderings