Outline
ELECTIVE COURSE
20pts Credit Value
ASSESSMENT
100% Internal by assignments/projects.
TIME
6 hours per week (5 hours studio plus 1 hour lecture).
In addition to the above contact hours you are expected to spend at least an equal number of hours on individual study and project work.
For an outline of lecture, tutorial and hand in dates please follow appropriate links on the main menu.
COORDINATOR
JS James Shaw, Room V228a, 463 (6238)
james.shaw@vuw.ac.nz
Office Hours 3-4 Wed
TUTORS
BR Bonnie Robin, Room V227a
bonnierobin@gmail.com
Office Hours 5.40-6.40pm Tues
Any changes to this course outline will be discussed and agreed with the class and conveyed in class and conveyed through email.
Cellphones are to be turned off during all class sessions.
AIMS & APPROACH
This course is an exploration of how the Internet and World Wide Web technologies may be used to inform contemporary 2D, 3D and 4D digital design. Topics include introductions to the history and theory of the Internet & World Wide Web, web-based design research, animated vector graphics, information management , digital visualization and real-time collaborative design environments. Prerequisites: DESN 104, DESN 113 or ARCH 111.
The infrastructure of the global communications network [the Internet] has opened up new methods of designing and communicating. The World Wide Web [Web] and e-mail enable designers to research, communicate, exhibit, publish, or visualize their work more rapidly and efficiently than ever. The Internet allows designers to share information and resources, communicate ideas and concepts across global and cultural boundaries. Design professionals need to communicate effectively and access a great deal of information; much of this now becoming available on the internet.
The Internet can be:
a library – a vast repository of information and images are available on the Web.
a gallery – designers may share their ideas with others within, and beyond, the profession by publishing them on the Web.
a communication tool – direct communication, e-mail, chat, usenet and IntraNet [a secure network connection within an organisation] allow designers in disparate locations to work on the same projects in a number of different mediums.
Software developed for the Web in recent years has added a new dimension to what was long a static two-dimensional environment. Today the Web is rapidly becoming a dynamic, multi-dimensional environment in which three-dimensional models and environments may be viewed interactively, and where two-dimensional vector animation adds complexity and movement to many sites. In addition, current advances in hardware and increased bandwidth of network connections will soon open up the Web for much more data intensive possibilities such as video, 3D virtual interfaces etc.
Through a series of three projects a number of different aspects of design and the internet are explored. These will progress from basic webpage design and usability, through to vector animation and interaction to 3D visualisation and collaboration. This course has a strong design focus; software skills are learnt while engaging with challenging design projects. DESN 206 is based in the computer studio and is fundamentally visual in nature, with a three-dimensional emphasis. This elective course encourages students to investigate, to experiment and to develop a personal position in response to design imperatives. It is primarily about developing computer skills and design methodologies that can be integrated and enhance working practices in studio. This will not only include the acquisition of digital skills but also an understanding of the processes and theories relating to the design practice.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• become familiar with the history and theory of the Internet
• understand the roles of the Internet, World Wide Web, and collaboration in the design process
• become familiar with selected methods of digital visualization and presentation
• understand how Web software may be used in conceptual design
• demonstrate the ability to produce animated 2D and 3D graphics
• demonstrate the ability to apply relevant ideas and theories of design and digital technology in the production of 3D and 4D web-based designs.
PROCEDURE
The design studio operates at three levels of instruction: the whole class, the tutorial group, and the individual. The principal vehicle for tutor/student discussion at all three levels is the student’s individual drawings and models. The general tone of the course is set by sharing ideas and experiences which are contained in these drawings and models. You must operate from the assumption that to become significant, your ideas and experiences must be given explicit and appropriate form in your drawings and models, and that these representations must be socially shared.
To support achievement of the aims of this Course, a number of critical propositions will be explored, all of which fundamentally engage ideas, language, meaning, poetic interpretation, and craft. Design is the embodiment of ideas. Ideas deal with the conceptual domain and its embodiment in an intellectual and disciplinary-based language. Design-based ideas involve relationships and orderings which must be understood, and towards which commitments must be made. Meaning grows as a result of the embodied experience of such understanding and commitment. A consciousness of such understanding is thus a critical part of the design process and product.
EQUIPMENT
You will require some sort of digital storage (USB or firewire) in order to complete this course. CD/DVDs can be purchased from the Architecture & Design Shop in Room 1.20, 139 Vivian Street. All computers in rm 322 have DVD/CD burners, USB and Firewire connections. It is recommended that CDs only be used for a final back up of work, NOT as re-writable storage throughout each assignment. Available options will be discussed in your first tutorial sessions.
You will also need to puchase a sketchbook for taking notes in lectures & sketching during tutorials and and out of class.
Shop opening times:
Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm
Costs:
CDR 700mb @$1.50 ea (End of Project & semester backup only)
100mb zip disk special price $5.00ea (note: no zip drives in rm 3.22)
250mb zip disk special price $5.00 ea (note: no zip drives in rm 3.22)
Limited number only
PROJECTS & ASSESSMENT
The course is internally assessed by assignment work in the form of three projects.
Please note the assessment weightings of the three projects, [click on project titles for more information].
PROJECT 1: Layered Form 40%
TIMETABLE: 10 July – 18 Aug (6 Weeks)
DIGITAL DESIGN ISSUES: Identity | Visualization | Navigation | Section
DIGITAL DESIGN CHALLENGE: Layered Indentity
PRECEDENTS: Gordon Matta-Clark, Lequeu, Ledoux, Boullee, Aldo Rossi
SOFTWARE: Photoshop | Fireworks | Freehand | Imageready | Flash | Dreamweaver
TECHNIQUES: Image Optimization | Flash animation & interaction | basic HTML
OUTPUTS: HTML page linked to fixed resolution Flash (swf) file containing interactive website. Original Flash file and PowerPoints.
PREMISE: A mass of information is consistently being added to databases and sites throughout the world every minute. With this increase in information comes a need to organise, visualize and identify what is important within that information. It is this collecting, culling and representing of information in a design informed and specific way that makes the basis for this project. Through the use of interaction and animation the designer has new collaborative tools to convey design ideas embodied within an object. Through navigation and interaction the user is able to ‘peel away’ embodied complexity in an object revealing a vast network of user-requested information beneath a simple, easy to use interface.
PROJECT 2: 3D Web 30%
TIMETABLE: 18 Aug – 22 Sept (5 Weeks incl. mid-term break)
DIGITAL DESIGN ISSUES: 3D vs 2D | Movement | Interactivity | Visualization
DIGITAL DESIGN CHALLENGE: Interactive 3D
VISUALIZATION: DECOi, Greg Lynn
SOFTWARE: Photoshop | Fireworks | Imageready | AxelEdge | Dreamweaver
TECHNIQUES: Model | Visualize | Reactions | Link
OUTPUTS: Axeledge File as axel and axs file in HTML interface. 2D information in HTML format, linked off axs file.
PREMISE: Through any user interface it is possible to track movement of cursor, keyboard, eyes, physical body position and even the virtual character you become. These position changes and directions can be linked to objects, surfaces and materiality, so movement and interaction with the space changes the space itself and objects within. The web is no longer restricted to a 2D interface, but offers users the added benefits of 3D visualization, opening doors to complex form manipulation and interaction. The designer must recognize what information lends itself towards 2D or 3D visualization.
PROJECT 3 : Collaborative Bridging 30%
TIMETABLE: 22 Sept – 13 Oct (3 Weeks)
DIGITAL DESIGN ISSUES: Real-time Spatial Interaction | Materiality | Placement | Component | Physics
DIGITAL DESIGN CHALLENGE: Recycled Kinetic Transportation
PRECEDENTS: Lebbeus Woods | Len Lye | Alexander Calder
SOFTWARE: Half-Life 2 | Garry’s Mod | FRAPS | EditStudio | Webapp
TECHNIQUES: Inserting | Constraining | Relations | Movement | Interaction
OUTPUTS:
1 GROUP Website showing build process and use of "bridge" and "elevator". (Movies should be limited to 640 by 480 resolution)
1 INDIVIDUAL Website showing your "component" of the contruct with associated build process and use.
PREMISE: Gaming environments offer massive potential in terms of collaborative and spatial environments for designing. The use of ‘in-game’ modelling tools allows designers to quickly put together and test scenarios and designs, and critque in real-time. The use of physics and material properties for each element or ‘building block’ used presents designers with further possibilites as objects take on materialistic and force dependent constructs.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
The course is internally assessed by assignment work in the form of three projects. Please note it is a mandatory requirement that all three assignments need to be submitted for assessment in order to gain a pass grade.
Assignments are assessed and graded A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D, E (where C is a PASS). Note:
1. All grades posted during this course are only provisional results until confirmed by the School Examiners Committee, which meets after the examination period. For further information on “Course Assessmentâ€, refer to page 4 in the VUW Assessment Handbook .
2. Students should familiarise themselves with the University’s requirements, particularly those regarding assessment and course of study requirements, contained in the statutes in the VUW Calendar and read the requirements of this course outline in that context.
Specific evaluation criteria reflecting the unique character and nature of each project will be explained in each project handout. More all-encompassing criteria for the course as a whole are:
• Creativity and clarity in the articulation of appropriate design intentions.
• Formal and poetic quality of your design vocabulary.
• Extent of effective transformation from concept to final design.
• Ability to utilize computing technology to create and manipulate 3D form and space.
• Quality of craft in the drawings, presentations, computer and physical 3D Models.
Your work will be reviewed on the basis of the degree to which it meets the stated intentions of the specific project and the studio intentions in general. This will be both a quantitative and a qualitative assessment. The Course coordinator is finally responsible for the grades issued. All grades posted during this course are only provisional results until confirmed by the School Examiners Committee which meets after the examination period.
MANDATORY COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Presentation and submission of all the three projects are the minimum requirement for passing this course.
The final grade is based on the aggregation of the percentage marks for each of the three assignments. A final grade of C or better is required to pass the course.
For further information refer to Section 4.3 of the Assessment Statute in the University Calendar.
ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
The Course is internally assessed by assignment work in the form of 3 projects as listed above in red. Assignments are assessed and graded A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D, E, (where C is a PASS). Grades only are issued to students. The final grade for the course is based on the aggregation of the percentage marks for each of the assignments, and a final grade of C or better is required to pass the course.
Note: Students should familiarise themselves with the University’s requirements, particularly those regarding assessment and course of study requirements, contained in the statutes in the VUW Calendar and read the requirements of this course outline in that context.
The assessment criteria for each project is listed under the project links. Click on red links above or at top of page for each project’s assessment criteria.
Your work will be reviewed on the basis of the degree to which it meets the assessment criteria described above. This will be both a quantitative and a qualitative assessment. Although visitors will be involved in some of the reviews, only the course coordinator and tutors will conduct the assessment. The course coordinator is finally responsible for the grades issued.
The School has a long tradition of providing critical review of student work as it progresses especially in design projects. This is part of feed-back for learning purposes. Such reviews must not be misunderstood as indicators of standards and they are different from assessment. Students have a responsibility to attend critical reviews at the appointed time as part of the learning process. Review panels are composed of internal and external members for the appointed times and cannot be re-composed to consider late submissions. Consequently late work will not receive a critical review, though it will be assessed under the terms of ‘Penalties’ and ‘Student Responsibility: Submission of Work’ (as below).
• Critical Review: May take place during the development phases of a project as well as at the time of the final submission. Its purpose is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the work and to offer suggestions to generally encourage the student. An encouraging critical review does not necessarily mean a good assessment result.
• Assessment: May take place at a stage in a project or on final submission (or both). Its purpose is to value the work in terms of the objectives stated in the handout and to express this as a grade. Moderation of all assessment in design is undertaken at the end of the Trimester after critical reviews, involving a wider group of staff than the immediate lecturers in the course. This process ensures fairness.
All grades posted during this Course are only provisional results until confirmed by the School Examiners Committee which meets after the examination period.
PENALTIES
Work submitted late without the prior agreement of the course coordinator will be penalised by one grade step per day (including weekend days), i.e. A will reduce to A-, B+ to B and so on. Work submitted more than 7 days late without the required prior agreement will not be marked.
Students are required to personally present their work on time at all scheduled reviews. Failure to present work at any scheduled graded review will result in an automatic failing grade for the work being reviewed, unless an extension has been approved in writing in advance by the course coordinator.
Lack of participation, or absence from the work space during the designated work times without an official excuse, will be reflected by a one-half grade reduction of the exercise or project for each absence.
Each student is responsible for ensuring their work is submitted on time through digital hand in specified in the project brief. Any project work not submitted in this manner will be entered on the grade sheet as a no-submission.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
1. Participation
For this course to operate effectively, students are expected to arrive on time, to be present for the whole session, (unless there are approved reasons why they cannot) and to actively participate in group and one-to-one discussions with your tutor as applicable. It is also expected that students will bring to all sessions the appropriate equipment and supplies needed to work productively on the assignments and to complete this work on time. The intensity and regularity of participation is unerringly reflected in the understanding and quality expressed in the resulting work.
2. Work Environment
You are expected to adhere to the ethic that one should leave your work environment in better condition than you found it. You are a temporary inhabitant of the work spaces and should endeavour to keep them clean and in good order for those who follow you. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of the work environment. Paper and rubbish should not be strewn everywhere causing a Health & Safety issue. Classes may be suspended for particular groups if the work environment is deemed unacceptable.
3. Student Workload and Health
The culture in schools of design internationally, and Victoria’s appears to be no different, is for students to work for long periods, often leading to negative consequences to health and wellbeing. Students are reminded of the need to maintain balance in their lives, to eat well and to get adequate rest throughout the term to help avoid health problems.
Individual course assignments and deadlines are set with consideration given to maintaining reasonable student workload, within any one course and between core courses. Assignment hand-in dates and requirements are notified at the beginning of the course to allow students opportunity to plan their work over the entire term. Suitable planning and management will help to avoid all-nighters. Students seeking assistance in managing their workload may wish to contact Student Learning Support on ext 5999.
4. Submission of Work
In the event of illness or other extraordinary circumstances that prevent you from submitting a piece of work on time, or that you feel adversely affect the quality of the work you submit, it is important that you discuss your circumstances with the course coordinator as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements may be made. You should complete an Application for Extension form (available from the Faculty Office) for the course coordinator to approve. You will also need to provide suitable evidence of your illness or other circumstances. In an emergency, or if you are unable to contact the course coordinator, you should advise the Faculty Office of your situation. Work submitted late must be submitted directly to the relevant tutor or course coordinator.
5. Recording of Work and Portfolio
You are strongly encouraged to respect and care for your work, making and recording a visual summary of each project in this course. The principal purpose of this is to maintain a record of your work for incorporation into your own personal ‘Design Portfolio’. Recording a summary of your work also means it is available if needed for you or the School to exhibit or publish.
6. Cellphones
Cellphones are to be turned off during all lecture and studio sessions.
GENERAL UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND STATUTES
Students should familiarise themselves with the University’s statutes, particularly the Assessment Statute, the Personal Courses of Study Statute, the Statute on Student Conduct and any statutes relating to the particular qualifications being studied; see the Victoria University Calendar available in hard copy or under ‘About Victoria’ on the VUW home page at www.vuw.ac.nz
STUDENT CONDUCT AND STAFF CONDUCT
The Statute on Student Conduct together with the Policy on Staff Conduct ensure that members of the University community are able to work, learn, study and participate in the academic and social aspects of the University’s life in an atmosphere of safety and respect. The Statute on Student Conduct contains information on what conduct is prohibited and what steps are to be taken if there is a complaint. For queries about complaint procedures under the Statute on Student Conduct, contact the Facilitator and Disputes Advisor. This statute is available on the VUW policy website at:
www.vuw.ac.nz/policy/studentconduct
The Policy on Staff Conduct can be found on the VUW website at:
www.vuw.ac.nz/policy/staffconduct
ACADEMIC GRIEVANCES
If you have any academic problems with your course you should talk to the tutor or lecturer concerned; class representatives may be able to help you in this. If you are not satisfied with the result of that meeting, see the Head of School or the relevant Associate Dean; VUWSA Education Coordinators are available to assist in this process. If, after trying the above channels, you are still unsatisfied, formal grievance procedures can be invoked. These are set out in the Academic Grievance Policy which is published on the VUW website at:
www.vuw.ac.nz/policy/academicgrievances
PLAGIARISM
Academic integrity is about honesty – put simply it means no cheating. All members of the University community are responsible for upholding academic integrity, which means staff and students are expected to behave honestly, fairly and with respect for others at all times.
Plagiarism is a form of cheating which undermines academic integrity. The University defines plagiarism as follows:
Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work as if it were your own, whether you mean to or not.
‘Someone else’s work’ means anything that is not your own idea, even if it is presented in your own style. It includes material from books, journals or any other printed source, the work of other students or staff, information from the Internet, software programs and other electronic material, designs and ideas. It also includes the organization or structuring of any such material.
Plagiarism is prohibited at Victoria and is not worth the risk. Any enrolled student found guilty of plagiarism will be subject to disciplinary procedures under the Statute on Student Conduct and may be penalized severely. Consequences of being found guilty of plagiarism can include:
• an oral or written warning
• cancellation of your mark for an assessment or a fail grade for the course
• suspension from the course or the University.
Find out more about plagiarism, and how to avoid it, on the University’s website:
www.vuw.ac.nz/home/studying/plagiarism.html
STUDENTS WITH IMPAIRMENTS
The University has a policy of reasonable accommodation of the needs of students with disabilities. The policy aims to give students with disabilities the same opportunity as other students to demonstrate their abilities. If you have a disability, impairment or chronic medical condition (temporary, permanent or recurring) that may impact on your ability to participate, learn and/or achieve in lectures and tutorials or in meeting the course requirements, please contact the course coordinator as early in the course as possible. Alternatively, you may wish to approach a Student Adviser from Disability Support Services (DSS) to discuss your individual needs and the available options and support on a confidential basis.
DSS are located on Level 1, Robert Stout Building:
telephone: 463-6070
email: disability@vuw.ac.nz
The name of your School’s Disability Liaison Person is in the relevant prospectus or can be obtained from the School Office or DSS.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Staff at Victoria want students to have positive learning experiences at the University. Each faculty has a designated staff members who can either help you directly if your academic progress is causing you concern, or quickly put you in contact with someone who can. Assistance for specific groups is also available from the Kaiwawao Maori, Manaaki Pihipihinga or Victoria International.
In addition, the Student Services Group (email: student-services@vuw.ac.nz) is available to provide a variety of support and services. Find out more at:
www.vuw.ac.nz/st_services/
VUWSA employs two Education Coordinators who deal with academic problems and provide support, advice and advocacy services, as well as organising class representatives and faculty delegates. The Education Office (tel. 463-6983 or 463-6984, email at education@vuwsa.org.nz) is located on the ground floor, Student Union Building.
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