Module Identifier SG20610  
Module Title COMPUTER-AIDED SCENOGRAPHY 1  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Mr Richard D Downing  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Mr Michael J Brookes  
Pre-Requisite SG20110 for those other than Scenographic Studies students  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials   20 Hours Group tutorials 10 x 2hr Group Tutorials  
Assessment Semester Assessment   Individual Project i] 1 x individual project, articulated through a fifteen minute solo exposition, and subsequent ten minute viva.   100%  

Learning outcomes

Typically, upon completion of the module, the student will be able:

To demonstrate an understanding of the potential applications (and limitations) of computer-modelled space as a means of making and evaluating propositions for real (and virtual) performance environments.
To construct and manipulate a basic three-dimensional and animated virtual model.
To employ a range of transferable IT skills.

Aims

The aim of this module is:

To introduce students to the concept and application of Computer-Aided Scenography as a means of creating, investigating and presenting virtual environments as representative (or actual) spaces of performance.
To establish a basic familiarity with three-dimensional, animated, computer modelling.
To foster and develop transferable IT skills.

Content

Process :

This module introduces students to the concept and application of Computer-Aided Scenography as a means of creating, investigating and presenting virtual environments as representative (or actual) spaces of performance. This is achieved through a programme of tutorials that establish a basic familiarity with the principles and skills particular to three-dimensional, animated, computer modelling. In the latter part of the course students have the opportunity to apply this learning to the guided generation of an individual project. The conception, realisation and presentation of this project constitute the basis of assessment.

Content

Introduction and overview: concepts and applications; the interface.
Constructing a basic scene 1: modelling.
Constructing a basic scene 2: materials.
Constructing a basic scene 3: rendering and animation.
Walkthrough Animation.
Light: generation and manipulation.
Sub-object modelling.
Materials: generation and manipulation.
Applications within the aesthetic event 1.
Applications within the aesthetic event 2.

The above constitutes a tutorial ‘spine’. Students will be required to supplement formal tutorial learning with independent study guided by tasks assigned by the course tutors which will take account of individual need and facility of skills acquisition. This independent work is anticipated to take up the majority of the notional 100 study hours pertaining to the module.

Criteria for assessment :

i] For each of the individual project assessment will be made upon the basis of the following criteria:
- Conception: integrity of ideas; demonstration of awareness of potential and limitations of the medium. (40%)
- Realisation: appropriateness of methodology and form; facility with medium. (40%)
- Presentation: relevance, efficiency and sophistication of delivery. (20%)


Transferable skills

- confidence and facility with IT.
- self-discipline and reflexive functioning in the articulation personally generated material.
- self motivation in personal research and study.
- organisation and presentation of conceptual material and personal creative initiatives.
- project planning and execution.


Reading Lists

Journals
** Recommended Text
Beardon, Colin (ed). (1999) In Digital Creativity (Vol 10, No 3). Swets & Zeitlinger
Carver, Gavin. (1996) Computer-Aided Scenography, Some Observations. Studies in Theatre Production No 14, 20-33
Carver, Gavin. (2000) Designing by Numbers: The use of computers. Scenography International Issue 3, the development of designs for the stage