3D Digital Technologies for 15 - Nottingham Tren

This "3D Digital Technologies" short course introduces 15-17-year-olds to model-making and digital technologies, combining traditional drawing and model making with 3D printing, CAD, photogrammetry, and virtual reality. Delivered by industry experts, the course aims to develop students' skills and explore career paths in architecture, product design, and the visual arts. Students receive a certificate upon completion and have opportunities for social events, accommodation, and a potential DofE Gold Award Residential.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This short course, "3D Digital Technologies for 15 - 17 Year Olds," is designed to introduce students to the world of model-making and how digital technologies are used to enhance physical prototyping and visual presentation techniques. The course aims to develop skills in traditional drawing and model making while incorporating digital technologies like photography, CAD, laser-cutting, 3D printing, and VR. It is ideal for students interested in pursuing further studies in architecture, product design, or visual arts.

Outline:

The course covers both traditional and new techniques commonly used in model-making and prototyping. Students will learn to develop and present design ideas in 2D and 3D through a combination of hands-on demonstrations, project-based making exercises, and theoretical introductions to emerging digital processes and techniques.

Course Content:

Drawing and Visualization Exercises: Students will complete drawing exercises to express design ideas.
Model Making: Students will learn to use basic model-making hand tools and materials to create models.
Types and Functions of Models: Students will gain an understanding of the various styles and functions of models.
CAD Modeling: Students will learn basic 2D and 3D CAD modeling skills using AutoCAD and TinkerCAD.
3D Printing and Laser Cutting: Students will learn to turn their CAD designs into physical models or parts using 3D printers and laser cutters.
Photogrammetry: Students will be introduced to photogrammetry, a technique for creating 3D CAD images from still photographs.
Virtual Reality: Students will learn how virtual reality is used by designers in the industry.

Course Schedule:

The course is delivered over one week, from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. The course is divided into five sessions:

Session 2: Learning about types and functions of models, sketching and drawing project ideas, choosing a project (building, furniture, or personal choice), demonstration of essential model-making kit and techniques.
Session 3: Model making with balsa wood and other basic materials, exploring virtual reality design packages, learning about photogrammetry and its applications.
Session 4: Learning to use TinkerCAD online design software to create files for laser cutting, 3D printer demonstrations, learning the basics of AutoCAD to create files for laser cutting, laser cutting demonstrations.

Teaching Staff:

Mark Beeston: Technical specialist in the model-making department at NTU, self-employed artist, designer, producer, and creative facilitator with 25 years of experience in production design for theatre, film, TV, product design, furniture design, outdoor play and learning, digital manufacturing, and public art installations.
Chris Forbes: Computing specialist and CAD tutor at NTU with extensive experience in industry with multi-million-pound enterprise resource planning databases.

Careers:

The course aims to provide students with a real experience of university life, help them make new friends with similar interests, and develop their portfolio to inform their future decisions. The architectural technology industry is growing rapidly, and the course is equipped with industry-expert staff and the latest technologies. Previous students have gone on to study or work as architectural designers or technologists.

Other:

Students will receive a certificate of attendance upon successful completion of the course.
The course can count as a Gold DofE Residential for Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participants.
Students will have access to the NTU library and IT facilities during the course.
Students are required to bring a notepad and pen, sketchbook, drawing pens, and pencils.
Accommodation is available for students aged 16 and 17, with a dedicated supervisor(s) during evenings and mornings.
Students can receive a 10% refund on their course fees if they enroll in a second course.

The tuition fee or cost of the course is £525. Payment is due at the time of booking.