CAD/CAM I: Design Development in Digital Environments

This lecture course explores the design development process as it occurs within advanced digital environments, e.g., Catia, that support parametric modeling, and which are widely used computer-aided design and manufacturing applications (CAD/CAM) in architecture and other design and production industries (e.g., automotive, aerospace). The first major component of the course will examine the general utilization of different digital environments in the design development process via a number of diverse case-studies and modeling exercises on projects where digital design tools have been extensively used. A sampling of projects to be reviewed includes the following: B. Franken\’s Bubble and Dynaform, William Massie\’s PS1, Norman Foster\’s Chesa Futura and City Hall, Kas Oosterhuis\’s Floriade Pavilion, Schliach\’s Hippo House and other grid shells, recent Sagrada Familia modeling, Gehry\’s Library at Bard College, and many others. The second major component of the course will focus on learning the use of digital tools are used in the design development, component manufacturing, and construction control phases of a project that occur after preliminary design stages. Characteristics of Catia and similar solid and surface modeling systems to be explored include their hierarchical organization and related parent-child relationships. Via the use of parent-child relationships, design changes and parametric variations can be made at will and propagated through a whole system. Design histories can be retained. These environments also support parametric modeling based on specified local constraints, feature-based design approaches, and application modeling (e.g., sheet metal, mold design). Particularly important are assembly-modeling capabilities, including interference checking, for creating complex systems of inter-related parts. The third major component of the course briefly addresses a variety of related topics; including the use of shared digital models by different participants in the design and building process (architects, structural and mechanical engineers, fabricators, contractors), structural modeling, exporting digital modeling into CAM environments, the use of three-dimensional digitizing systems to create initial design models, rapid prototyping systems for design confirmation, and specific design development tools, such as those used in steel fabrication (e.g., SDS). Lectures will be held on Monday afternoons, 2-4 pm. Workshop sessions focused on skill building with Catia will be held on Friday afternoons, 1-3 pm. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:Students will be expected to choose one of three project streams:Stream A: This stream is designed to give students a general introduction to Catia and then focus on learning design development techniques as they relate to specific materials and/or manufacturing processes. Students will be expected to complete a series of required introductory exercises, and submit a final paper on an approved topic. A limited scope parametric model of a relevant component or object must accompany the paper. A brief presentation of work will be made to the class. Stream B: This stream is intended for students who want to develop in-depth capabilities with Catia and work with design tables, rules and other more advanced techniques. Students will complete the required introductory exercises, and complete a final digitally based project that focuses on the development of a detailed parametric model suitable for use in the design development stages of a project. The model must be at the assembly level and demonstrate familiarity with advanced Catia capabilities.Stream C: This stream is intended for advanced students who are already competent in the use of Catia, and who have professionally done design development work. These students need not do introductory exercises, but will complete an extensive paper and related digi