5 Modeling Primitives & Operations

Objectives:

II. Learning process

Language analogy

• basic syntax
• practice in context (make effort, get over mistakes)
• build up vocabulary of commands

Sequence for learning digital applications

• Interface & navigation (on-line help, beginner mode)
• Creation of primitive elements
• Selection sets, attribute editing & transformations
• Precision & Organization
• More complex operations

III. Interface

Help menu, Modeling tools
Simplifying the menu

Tile Windows
View menu > Edit Cone of Vision

IV. 2D shape to 3D form

Extrusion
Lathing
Lofting

A. Derivative Objects

TUT 7.3* from parts of other objects, TUT 7.5 Parallel objects

B. Protrusions

TRY IT: Simple roof forms

C. Lathed objects

TUT 8.1

D. Sweeps

Axial 2 source TUT 9.2 2 path TUT 9.3

V.  Precision Tools

• Grid Snap
• Angle Snap
• Object Snaps

Absolute vs. Relative coordinates
Query operations

VI Basic Transformations

D'Arcy Thompson's On Growth and Form
1 2 3

Basic Operations:

• Translation
• Reflection
• Rotation
• Scale
• Glide reflection (Translation + Reflection)

Order of operations DO matter
Selection set DOES matter

VII.  Ways to model

Direct 3D Doghouse

• Extruded Mass, Hollowed
• Boolean Mass, Boolean Void
• Inserted Planes for Details

2D to 3D Doghouse

• Glass Plane Drawings as Guides
• 2D Plan, Extruded vertically
• Gingerbread House

Another Doghouse

VIII.  Context

Modeling methods & applications

Teddy:  sketch interface for polygonal modeler
Alice animation: programming objects
Sharper Image:3D objects in Web Commerce

Architectural

3D Scanning
Construction via animation (UVA, Stanford CIFE 4D-CAD)
Historical database (Palladian Villas at MIT)
Urban models for planning (Bath, LA)
Visualizations (Kent Larsen's Unbuilt Kahn)
Design: ACADIA Library Competition

IX. Vocabulary  

• Selection Set (elements chosen for editing)
• Attribute (characteristic)
• Relative Coordinates (distance from another location)
• Absolute Coordinates (according to world origin)
• Geometric Transformation (change of location, size, proportion, orientation)
• Parametric Variation (alternate created by changing size, angle or number)
• Topological Levels (point, segment, face, object, etc.)
• Derivative Object (a form that is created from an other)

FOR TUESDAY: Websites with diagrams or drawings and text information