Type of Credit: Partially Required
Credit(s)
Number of Students
3D modeling plays a crucial role in communication and prototyping, allowing designers, engineers, and creators to visualize and refine ideas before production. It helps convey complex concepts clearly, making it an essential tool in industries like product design, architecture, and engineering. With the rise of affordable software and 3D printing technology, these tools are now more accessible than ever. Free and open-source programs like Blender and low-cost CAD software enable anyone to create detailed models, while desktop 3D printers allow rapid prototyping at minimal cost. This accessibility empowers individuals and small teams to innovate, test ideas quickly, and bring functional designs to life.
This course introduces students to 3D modeling using both CAD software for technical applications and Blender for creative design. Students will learn the complete workflow of 3D modeling, including conceptualization, modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering. The course emphasizes problem-solving through design, where students create functional objects that address specific needs.
In the first part of the course, students will focus on simple, real-world problems found at home. They will design and model objects that improve daily tasks or solve minor inconveniences. Selected models will be 3D printed to test their functionality. This hands-on approach helps students understand design constraints and material properties.
As the course progresses, students will work on more complex projects related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They will identify challenges and design facilities, instruments, or workflows that provide solutions. The rendered 3D models will serve as visual communication tools to demonstrate functionality and feasibility.
By the end of the course, students will be able to create detailed 3D models, apply textures and lighting for realistic rendering, and present their designs effectively. They will also gain experience in translating digital models into physical objects through 3D printing. The course combines technical precision with creative exploration, preparing students to use 3D modeling for engineering, product design, and visual storytelling.
能力項目說明
This course aims to develop the ability to design, model, and visualize 3D objects for practical and conceptual purposes. By integrating CAD for technical precision and Blender for creative flexibility, students will gain a broader skill set applicable to engineering, product design, and visual communication.
A key goal is to enhance problem-solving abilities by using 3D modeling to address real-world challenges, from everyday household issues to global concerns linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will also learn to translate digital designs into physical prototypes through 3D printing, reinforcing their understanding of material properties and functional design.
By the end of the course, students will be able to (1) conceptualize and develop 3D models for both technical and creative applications, (2) apply modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering techniques to create realistic visualizations, (3) use 3D modeling as a problem-solving tool to design practical solutions, (4) communicate ideas effectively through rendered images and potentially also animated presentations, and (5) prepare models for 3D printing and evaluate their functionality.
Through hands-on projects and iterative design, students will build confidence in using 3D tools for prototyping and communication, preparing them for fields where digital modeling and communication are essential.
| Week | Topic | Content / Reading Assignment |
Teaching Activities /Homework |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fundamentals of 3D Design (Weeks 1-4): Introduction to 3D Modeling and Course Overview |
Course structure, objectives, and software introduction Fundamentals of 3D modeling: geometry, coordinates, and transformations Introduction to AutoCAD 3D for technical modeling |
Practical exercises and first hands-on experience |
| 2 | 3D Space and Basic Modeling in AutoCAD 3D | Creating basic 3D shapes: extrusions, lofts, and revolves Understanding object hierarchies and constraints |
Practical exercises: modeling simple mechanical parts |
| 3 | Precision Modeling and 3D Sketching | Modifying objects: Boolean operations, fillets, and chamfers | Assignment 1 (10%): Concept study in which students define a problem and create a 3D concept study |
| 4 | Transitioning from AutoCAD 3D to Blender | Comparing CAD modeling vs. artistic modeling Blender interface, navigation, and basic tools Importing CAD models into Blender |
Practical exercise: interoperability and simple exercises in Blender |
| 5 | Phase 2: 3D Prototyping and Problem-Solving (Weeks 5-8) Basic Modeling Techniques in Blender |
Polygon modeling, edge loops, and modifiers Object transformations and organization |
Practical exercise: Modeling a simple functional object |
| 6 | Advanced Modeling for 3D Printing | Designing for printability: topology, thickness, and supports Mesh troubleshooting and export settings for 3D printing |
Assignment 2: Problem-Solving Prototype (25%): Concept study, 3D model, and 3D-printed prototype |
| 7 | Sculpting and Refinement Techniques | Blender’s sculpting tools: brushes, detailing, and smoothing Combining sculpting with traditional modeling Applying subdivision modeling for organic forms |
Practical exercise: object sculpting and organic modeling |
| 8 | Mid-Semester Review | Reviewing assignments and addressing common modeling issues Optimizing models for better performance and rendering |
Practical exercise to improve skills in common problematic areas |
| 9 | Phase 3: Texturing, Rendering and Sustainable Design (Weeks 9-12) Materials and Texturing |
UV mapping and material application in Blender Creating procedural and image-based textures |
Practical exercise: texturing objects and texture mapping |
| 10 | Lighting and Rendering Fundamentals | Rendering engines Lighting techniques for realistic rendering |
Practical exercise: object rendering and lighting setup |
| 11 | Sustainable 3D Design and SDGs | Design principles for sustainability Applying 3D modeling to SDG-related challenges, in particular but not exclusively SDG 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 |
Assignment 3: Sustainable Facility Design (30%): Textured and rendered model addressing an SDG |
| 12 | Scene Composition and Final Presentation Techniques | Scene setup, camera positioning, and post-processing Effective storytelling through 3D visualization |
Practical exercises dealing with scene setups. |
| 13 | Phase 4: Advanced 3D Modeling and Final Project (Weeks 13-18) Movable Parts and Animation Basics |
Modeling objects with joints and movement Constraints and rigging for mechanical functionality |
Practical exercises in complex designs |
| 14 | Final Project Development and Individual Guidance | Independent project work with instructor feedback Addressing technical challenges in complex models |
Practical exercises in complex designs |
| 15 | Final Touches and Rendering | Refining materials, lighting, and composition Preparing final renders and optional 3D prints |
Practical exercises for improving digital modeling and rendering |
| 16 | Final Touches and Rendering | Refining materials, lighting, and composition. Preparing final renders and optional 3D prints |
Final Assignment (35%): Digitally modeled, textured, and rendered object with movable part |
The project will be evaluated based on problem selection, creativity, technical modeling approach, implementation and final results as presented through models and renderings.as presented through models and renderings.
The course assessment consists of four assignments, each contributing to the final grade as follows:
There are many resources for 3D modeling and design. Good starting points for Blender are listed below. In addition, Sketchup provides a number of resources that are freely accessible on https://learn.sketchup.com/.
Blender User Manual 4.4+
https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest
Robertson S & Bertling T (2014): How to Render: the fundamentals of light, shadow and reflectivity.- 272 pp., Design Studio Press.
Coward C (2019): A Beginner's Guide to 3D Modeling.- No Starch Press.
Belec A (2022): Blender 3D Incredible Models.- Packt Publishing.
Blender 4.4: https://www.blender.org/ Autodesk: https://www.autodesk.com/ Sketchup: https://www.sketchup.com