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Assigment Two Header graphicWeek Two linkAssignment Two Description link
   
TSmall Assignment two Illustrationhis week, create a first version of your courtyard sculpture using subtractive carving and additive components.  Next week, develop the setting for the sculpture using geometric patterns, then create renderings by framing views and manipulating light. In the following week, enrich the renderings with photocollaged context.

1. Engage
Throughout the term, students will give review comments to different classmates so each person receives a variety of feedback.
  • Make all your assignment ePortfolio pages open to comments. In ePortfolio, go to the page (View or Edit) then click on the Properties tab. At the bottom of the page, find "Allow Discussion on this item" and click "Enabled".
  • Add comments (~100 words each) to your assigned classmates' ePortfolio Assignment 1 page considering the following:
    • What kind of personality does the web site project? How could its identity be strengthened?
    • What information is presented effectively? What additional information do you seek?
    • What might be edited or shown differently?
    • Seeing how the inspiration influenced the author's work, suggest how it could shape future design efforts.
2. Prepare
3. Create a concrete base
Begin with a simple rectilinear platform and use the push/pull function to sculpt a base.  Think of the plastic nature of concrete as you try extruding supports and carving voids that echo the upper structure.   Try selecting and adjusting faces and edges. Creating a family of like forms can give continuity to your design.

4.  Design an expressive wood structure
Create a typical wood stud by drawing a 2" x 4" rectangle and extruding it up 8', typing the dimensions.   The exercise will be easier if you assume uncut lengths and make the first stud into a Component (mouse context menu).  Use as few or as many members as you like. Experiment with Move+copy, rotate+copy and mirror (scale with dragging inside out) to generate configurations of the wood studs. 
  • Draw construction lines with the Tape Measure tool to establish geometric order. 
  • Group objects and save the most interesting combinations as repeatable Components (mouse context menu). 
  • Edit down to essentials so that spaces are defined yet the structure is airy and transparent. 
You can cross members assuming that the joint details will be worked out later.  Since the virtual museum has no gravity, you can float pieces (to be supported by minimalist cables or threaded rods).

5. Render & Export Images

Find and save interesting views (Window menu > Scenes > +.   Select File > Export > 2D Graphic.  Save as a JPG (medium quality) and use the “Options” to adjust the image resolution, in this case Width/Height to 600 x 400 pixels and make sure that “Anti-Alias” is enabled. Rename your favorite two images according to the 610.2a.jpg, 610.2b.jpg, etc. convention. Include an additional plan view that is not in perspective: 610.2c.jpg.

5. Present it on ePortfolios
In the ePortfolio system, create a page called "2 Climbing Sculpture" and link it to your Graphics page.   Write a paragraph of text to describe your aesthetic inspirations and another paragraph about how the design evolved (total ~200 words).  Give a title to each image that captures the personality portrayed.

6.  Refine
Check your work against the evaluation criteria. Develop the model and find new pleasing views.

For the ambitious:

  • Try creating a variable length stud as a Dynamic Component to generate geometric variations of your sculpture. 
  • Try using the Sandbox to sculpt the base.
  • Create a context for the sculpture by building the whole courtyard, including seating. 
References
Lionel March and Philip Steadman's The Geometry of Environment: Ch. 3 Symmetry Groups

ARTISTS
Mary Miss
Jackie Ferrara
Lawrence Halprin
James Harrison, UO Straub Hall Courtyard
Laslo Maholy Nagy images

SOFTWARE HOW-TO
Lynda.com
Sketchup Video Tutorials
OSU Mike Bailey's Sketchup Guide (PDF)
Sketchup User's Guide
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