Learning objectives
Knowledge
The course aims to allow the student to learn the basics of the computer tool for the study of spatial reality and as an automatic application of representation.
Skills
At the end of the course, the student will possess the basic concepts of two-dimensional automatic drawing, geometric modeling of shapes, the fundamentals of image management, and the most appropriate methods for layout of their project drawings.
Independence of judgment
At the end of the course the student will be able to independently identify the most appropriate digital representation techniques to use in communicating their projects at any level (as topics and issues change).
Communication skills
Since the digital representation is one of the main forms of language, passing the exam, the student will have acquired the ability to communicate their ideas and projects through the use of dedicated software.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
In the context of the “Laboratory of Representation” is essential to connect the design, as the tradition has transmitted to us, and the new tools that the technology continuously makes available.
The course of “Representation tools for product communication” aims to give students a clear and definitive understanding of the characteristics of digital drawing, whether represented by raster graphics or vector graphics.
The course is divided into three main parts and is modulated in cycles of theoretical and practical lessons with the following topics:
Part 1 (vector graphic):
- Introduction to vector graphics;
- AutoCAD user interface;
- Use of commands, saving in AutoCAD file format, view options and object selection methods;
- Work method: use of layers, object properties;
- Precision drawing: drawing units, reference system, object snap, ortho mode and polar tracking, measurement tools;
- Two-dimensional drawing: basic drawing commands, basic editing commands;
- Text management;
- Quotation management;
- Raster images management;
- Other essential commands;
- Layout management and print settings.
Part 2 (photogrammetric survey):
- Introduction to photogrammetric survey;
- Work method;
- Main commands within the photogrammetry software.
Part 3 (raster graphics):
- Introduction to raster graphics;
- Adobe Photoshop user interface;
- Use of commands, saving the file, display tools, view options and object selection methods;
- Work method: use of layers, object properties;
- Basic drawing commands and editing commands;
- Alphanumeric characters management;
- Raster images management;
- Other essential commands;
Revisions of students' assigned work will also planned during the course.
The practical exercises, some individual and some in groups, will focus on the same topics covered in the Descriptive Geometry and Drawing module in order to allow students to verify the univocal approach to the topic of representation regardless of the drawing tools used. All the exercises must be completed using the computer tool and then printed.
Full programme
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Bibliography
All the material presented during the course (power point presentations, models, videos) will be made available to students on the Elly UNIPR teaching platform.
Specific information will be provided during the course for any further study.
Teaching methods
The course, strongly integrated with the other modules constituting the “Laboratory of representation”, will will consist of theoretical and practical lectures aimed to provide the basics on the use of computer tools for the graphic restitution of the elaborations aimed at product communication.
To allow a continuous and progressive learning of the systems of digital representation, parallel to the conduct of theoretical lessons, numerous individual practical lessons will be assigned. These will have as their
object the same works, made using traditional techniques, of the “Descriptive geometry and drawing” module. These exercises will consist in the production of digital works (then printed) in which the student will be forced to use the acquired notions.
In order to be admitted to the exam, each student must have mandatorily complete the tables assigned during the course (in hard copy and digital format) respecting the deadlines indicated.
As final work, a final exercise (common to all three modules of the "Laboratory of Representation") is planned, which will be illustrated during the course and which will require the creation of graphic works based on the use of the computer tools illustrate during this course.
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of learning will be carried out during the course, through the evaluation of all the material produced by the student.
The final grade of the course will be integrated with the grade of the other courses belonging to the "Laboratory of representation", through a weighted average, in order to obtain the overall grade of the whole laboratory.
The verification will be so modulated:
Punctuality in the conduct of the individual practical exercises assigned: 5%;
Use of graphic software in the transition from the representation of the object to the virtual modeling of the object itself (knowledge): 35%;
Application of tools more suitable for the realization of digital drawings (skills): 25%;
Autonomous choice of the most appropriate software for the implementation of their drawings, depending on the achievement of the desired result (independence of judgment): 35%.
The material that constitutes the portfolio will be evaluated as a final exam and it is composed of:
(i) Hard-copy collection of all assignments done during the course;
(ii) A brochure of the final project that summarizes the work done;
(iii) Oral presentation - by group - of the final project in which the project done is exposed in 15 minutes.
Other information
Lecture attendance is strongly recommended.
