Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the world of 3D thinking, representation and communication, with a focus on spatial thinking. Provides the foundational skills and knowledge needed to understand, create, and use computer-generated 3D representations. Covers the technical bases of representing 3D environments, technical sketching, computer-based modelling (Computer-Aided Design) and physical modelling. Students with credit for SEE 100 cannot take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to spatial thinking and graphical representation and communication. As a foundations course, it aims to expose students to spatial thinking concepts and to provide them with the basic knowledge and technical skills required to envision three-dimensional structures, visualize and think in three dimensions, and to analyze and solve specific spatial thinking problems using sketching, computer-based geometric modelling, and physical modelling. As students learn to “think spatially”, they will start to see and understand the world around them in new and useful ways. Students will explore ideas individually, share these ideas with others, work in small groups, and demonstrate their skills by developing different representations to demonstrate their ideas to others.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The course employs the following principles and overall teaching approach:

• labs with practice-based hands-on learning, quizzes, regular feedback
• weekly readings and assignments that build in complexity and degree of difficulty.
• small team-based approach to spatial thinking problems and solutions.
• introduces 3D computer modeling software gradually over the term.

At the successful completion of IAT106, you will be able to;

1. Critically analyze an existing spatially intriguing object/problem/situation and describe its components and operations.
2. Conceptualize and design your own spatially intriguing object and reflect on it.
   • Keeping in view the final form, materials, and spatial degrees of freedom within which that object exists.
3. Effectively communicate your ideas using graphical representations, including both tangible and digital modes of communication, i.e.,
   • Technical drawings
   • Digital modeling
   • Physical prototyping
4. Value the importance of the iterative and cyclic design process using a multitude of representations within a process.
5. Recognize the inherent affordances and limitations associated with each representation type and begin the design process with an informed choice of representation.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students will be expected to have or acquire simple tools for model-making, including a good-quality metal ruler, a compass or dividers, and a modeling knife with a retractable blade. For sketching, the students should bring sketching papers, pencils (at least three with H, HB, and B softness), and erasers.

Students are expected to bring their laptop computers and a suitable mouse to create digital models of objects using computer-aided design tools in lab sessions and lectures, when announced. The laptops should be able to run OnShape (siat.onshape.com) as a cloud-based CAD platform. Students will be given access to OnShape while taking the course. Please refer to the OnShape CAD Software Notice page for details on its use and privacy.

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: