Award in 3D CAD for Architectural Interior Design

This is a foundational module that introduces learners to 3D design through a multi-platform approach, including SketchUp (or similar), P.Con planner (or similar) and AutoCAD. Learners develop spatial understanding, formal 3D drawing techniques, and intuitive 3D modelling, with a focus on both design development and communication.

Through this module learners are tasked with a number of smaller tasks building towards a project presentation which highlights the ability to communicate design ideas through 3D design.

Key Topics taught during this module:

• Session 1: Intro to 3D design, through manual and digital drawing aids.
  • SketchUp [SU] * (online open licence version) is introduced and used immediately as a spatial modelling tool for forms, objects, downloaded models and Interiors.
  • Different 3D design software options and workflows.
  • 3D surveying and dimensioning tools.
  • Run through the SU interface and basic tools, 3D warehouse.

• Session 2: Visualising 3D interiors:3D Pictorial design visualisation skills
  • Using SU visual styles, views, projections and scenes.
  • Sketching using Isometric and Oblique drawing techniques.
  • Adding perspective in SU and developing hand-sketching perspective alongside the use of software.
  • Converting 2D plans to concept rooms in SU.
  • Materials, textures and basic shadow settings.
  • Task to develop hybrid design board adding design development.
  • AI as a rendering tool- demo and discussion.

• Session 3:Design organisation and layering: Intermediate SU workflow, tools and interface use.
  • Component, group design and organisation.
  • Layers/tags in SU
  • Basic scenes, hideaways and video walk through.
  • Critical discussion through case studies on selecting visualisation level for different contexts and budget.
  • Task to present a short video walk through using SU of contextual project proposal.
• Session 4: Going for impact and detail:  SU Vs other platforms.
  • Materials and manufacturing, the (human) intelligence of form. Study on making sense of solid materials, their construction and materiality.
  • Demo using pCon.planner [p.Con] software in modelling same project, exported from SU, advantages, differences.
  • Viewports in p.Con, 3D warehouse.
  • Render engine and Light in p.Con, a similarity to most high end 3D rendering engines. (Case studies)
  • Research task on different platforms, work on presentation of selected 4 software platforms highlighting advantages.

• Session 5: Developing 3D design mastery.
  • Demo of AutoCAD 3D
  • Annotations and sketch work integration
  • Project work as per assignment- 3d Final design board
• Project tutorial 1: Assignment for START-CAD 3D to include work from all sessions and a contextual development of a design concept proposal supported by sketches, work on SU and 3D visuals.

This module includes built-in rendering capabilities, industry-level rendering solutions, and a case study project to foster entrepreneurial and creative skills. Specialising on use of AutoCAD 3D modelling tool for architectural development and visualisation design.

Key Topics taught during this module:

• Session 1: Running ACAD 3D
  • ACAD 3D workspace options
  • Reference designs provided in CAD 2D
  • Opening, setting parameters and saving
  • Introduction to 3D workspace elements: viewports, UCS, navigation tools, shortcuts.
  • Extrusion, revolution.
  • Creating simple 3D objects
  • Exploring additional 3D modelling techniques: lofting, sweeping, filleting.
  • Introduction to solid modelling vs. surface modelling.
  • ‘Importing design files in ACAD (e.g. dwx, dxf, CAD files) and using .pdf reference drawings as a starting point.
  • Exporting 3D images and design files as required to either document the design or present further edited design documents (e.g. export rendered bitmap image to later compile as a pdf)

• Session 2: Creating and modifying 3D objects in ACAD
  • Lofting, sweeping, and filleting techniques.
  • Boolean operations, blending, chamfering. Exploring surface modelling tools for complex shapes and forms.
  • Groups, objects and editing blocks.
  • Experimentation through an open furniture item design task.
  • Converting from 2D plans and building walls and architectural shells in 3D
  • Module performance testing exercises – ‘Interface & Basic Modelling’ – Students do take home task with specific parameters and submit screenshot in stipulated timeframe.

• Session 3: Surface editing, materials and Rendering
  • 3D solids and surfaces
  • Understand the principles of surface modelling and editing.
  • Insights on advanced engineering of materials, textures and construction.
  • Applying materials to surfaces using libraries and imports.
  • Exploring basic rendering and visualisation options.
  • Enhance 3D models with textures, materials, and basic lighting effects for realistic rendering.
  • Extended activity on product being modelled

• Session 4: Focus on 3D Environment design, light and output.
  • Design for sustainable living, maximising natural light and harnessing natural elements.
  • Concept Cottage building design task.
  • Adding architectural details
  • Artificial light integration
  • Layering and part grouping in 3D ACAD for optimal representation of overlapping systems and components.
  • 3D Sectional views, occlusions and visualisation enablers.
  • Extended work on sample product preparation for rendering and inclusion in project.
  • Module performance testing exercises – ‘Textures and Object Rendering’ – Students do take home task with specific parameters and submit screenshot in stipulated timeframe.
  • Design Scope Vs Output – organising design effort according to audience and project scope.

• Project Tutorial 2: Design Brief for PROCAD 3D-ACAD Project
  • Introduction to project scenario and task list
  • Organising a design project
  • Problem definition, brief and framing
  • Class group discussion to develop different design perspectives in problem solving
  • Student cross briefing assignment taking the roles as client-designer against each other.
  • Design collaboration, sharing, shared libraries, client relations, shared development.
  • Creative problem-solving variables and opportunities to add value.
  • Design concept board development.

• Session 5: Advanced Rendering in ACAD
  • Model, Visualize tab, workspace and viewport preparation
  • Advanced material and environment properties
  • Rendering options, exporting 3D models, using plug-ins and review of other rendering engines.
  • Model refinement for desired render output, (Keeping drawings clean and tidy, regularly purging and controlling file size)
  • Design Principles in image composition, colour balance and aesthetic considerations.
  • Developing a rendering mood board as a design guide and a materials palette for coherent spatial architecture.
  • Rendering and exporting 2D viewports as an enhanced means of conveying project and design information

• Session 6: Advanced custom modelling
  • Detailing in 3D ACAD
  • Custom exterior product design using basic components, arrays, and procedural design. (e.g.: a wooden awning, fence, gazebo, etc.)
  • Advanced surface and texture optimisation
  • Using extended material libraries and creating bespoke materials.
  • Translucent and emitting materials
  • Dynamic presentation options – when post-production on renders is required.
  • Documenting, iteration and file organisation for advanced 3D projects.

• Project Tutorial 3: PROCAD 3D-ACAD Project execution
  • Tutorial support with all learners to develop final project deliverables, troubleshooting.
  • Project presentation support.
  • Project submission timeframe.