We are pleased to announce FORMATIONS 2013, a series of software based workshops for students and professionals taking place on October 19 at CCA in San Francisco. FORMATIONS, an annual workshop series at the California College of the Arts, provides a platform for students and professionals in the design disciplines to explore new technologies in a hands-on workshop setting. Each year the focus of the event evolves to reflect emerging architectural research topics in relationship to new media.
We have two great workshops for you this year. Please click the links below for more information:
- Parametric Diagramming and Drawing with Grasshopper and Illustrator
- Introduction to Architectural Visualization with 3DS Max and VRay
Eligibility: The workshops are open to all students and professionals in the design fields.
Cost: Each workshop costs $75 for students, current CCA Faculty and Alumni; and $175 for Professionals
Hardware and Software: For the Parametric Drawing and Diagramming workshops, attendees must bring their own laptop to the workshop. For software requirements please see below. However, for the VRay workshop, students can use the lab computers.
Location: All workshops will be held on the CCA San Francisco Campus (1111 8th Street).
Workshop 01: Data-Driven Building Information Modeling Processes
Date: October 19, 10am-5pm
Location: CCA San Francisco Main Building
Instructor: German Aparicio (AECOM + CCA + UCLA)
Description: Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent model-–based process that provides insight for creating and managing building and infrastructure projects faster, more economically, and with less environmental impact. The use of BIM applications offer a number of solutions for design, visualization, simulation, and collaboration that uses rich information for an intelligent model to inform better decision-making and better business processes. As part of the better business processes, this course will focus on the workflow between algorithmic graphical user interface scripting software Grasshopper and Autodesk Revit through Hummingbird to facilitate the creation of native Revit geometry. This process allows for downstream Revit model to be modified and adapted for project duration.
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of Rhino and Revit
Workshop 02: Parametric Diagramming and Drawing
Date: October 19, 10am-5pm
Location: CCA San Francisco Main Building
Instructor: Andrew Kudless (Matsys + CCA) and Adam Marcus (Variable Projects + CCA)
Registration Website: Buy Now!
Description: Although the use of parametric 3D models has become common, the use of parametric tools to produce evocative and engaging 2D representations has been less developed among architects, designers, and artists. Standard parametric modeling programs like Revit, although highly capable of handling relational geometries, are rather limited in terms of allowing for representational experimentation. Programs such as Processing have enabled the non-programmer to more easily enter into the word of procedural design, yet they still require working in traditional, text-based programming environments. And graphic design tools such as Illustrator are enormously powerful in creating evocative visual representations, yet largely the workflows within these software packages are highly manual and allow for little parametric functionality.
The parametric modeling plugin Grasshopper offers a potential middle ground that provides parametric control, ability to manage complexity, and a highly intuitive graphic user interface. This workshop will investigate how a visual-programming environment such as Grasshopper can be used in conjunction with Illustrator to produce diagrams, drawings, and other illustrative media that are complex, adaptable, and quick. The workshop is geared towards graphic designers, artists, architects, and anyone interested in exploring innovative methods of digital drawing.
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of Rhino and Illustrator
Software: Please install the latest build of Grasshopper
Workshop 03: Introduction to Architectural Visualization
Date: October 19, 10am-5pm
Location: CCA San Francisco Main Building
Instructor: Michelle Chang (DOA + CCA)
Registration Website: Buy Now!
Description: 3d Studio Max with Vray is a leading software package used for architectural visualizations. Lectures and tutorials will focus on industry best practices, material sampling, natural and artificial simulations, and professional applications. Exercises will cover the use of renderings as design communication to clients and as tools for the architect in understanding his/her designs through an iterative visualization process. Over the seven hour session, participants will be led through a complete work flow, beginning with AutoCAD drawings and ending with compositing in Adobe Photoshop. In addition, topics such as view selection, framing, and composition will be covered.
Note: This workshop will take place in one of CCA’s computer labs so no laptop is needed. However, you are welcome to bring your own if you want.
Prerequisite: Basic 3D Modeling knowledge
Software: Prior to the start of the workshop, please install the latest builds of: