SemesterFall Semester, 2025
DepartmentResidential College General Education
Course NameSeminar in Self-Directed Learning: 3D Modeling and Prototyping- From Concept to Creatione
InstructorSTEPHAN VAN GASSELT
Credit2.0
Course TypeSelectively
Prerequisite
Course Objective
Course Description
Course Schedule











































































































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

Teaching Methods
Teaching Assistant

This course has two TAs who would provide support during classes and lab exercises.










蔡昕晏 Tsai Hsin-Yen (Goson lyu)

e-mail: 111207411@nccu.edu.tw		 何謙 Ho Chien (Japanda)

email: 111207412@nccu.edu.tw


 



 


Requirement/Grading

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:




  1. Concept Study (10%): The first assignment involves a conceptual study, focusing on the foundational understanding of design principles and problem-solving approaches.

     

  2. Problem-Solving Prototype (25%): The second assignment requires students to develop a concept study, create a digital 3D model, and produce a 3D-printed prototype of an item designed to address a specific practical problem. Examples may include tools, gadgets, phone stands, cable organizers, or kitchen accessories. Evaluation will be based on concept complexity, digital modeling quality, and the final printed prototype.

     

  3. Sustainable Facility Design (30%): For the third assignment, students will create a fully textured and rendered digital 3D model of a facility or structure designed to solve a problem aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary focus will be on SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12, though other SDGs may also be considered. Assessment will be based on design functionality, rendering quality, and alignment with sustainability principles. Examples are housing solutions, energy conversion units, waste processing, water purification systems.

     

  4. Final Project: Functional 3D Model (35%): The final assignment involves designing a digitally modeled, fully textured, and rendered object that incorporates movable parts. While 3D printing is optional, it is encouraged for demonstration purposes. Grading will be based on modeling precision, functionality, texturing, and rendering quality.


Textbook & Reference

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.


Urls about Course
Blender 4.4: https://www.blender.org/ Autodesk: https://www.autodesk.com/ Sketchup: https://www.sketchup.com
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