Didactic experiences on digital modeling. Anamorphosis

Abstract

This paper presents the didactic experiences on digital modeling developed in the last three years on Geometry and Architecture course of the 1st year of the Master in Architecture program of the Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto. For several years, this Geometry and Architecture course, was entirely concerned with projective geometry, and its most common representational systems used in architecture. However, since 2015, we decided to update its syllabus with the introduction of 3D modeling within the use of Rhinoceros software. The approach to the topic of three-dimensional modeling was made through the accomplishment of a teamwork in which the students explore Computer Assisted Design (CAD) processes in the study and resolution of geometry themes with impact on architectural design. With that goal, a three-year plan was defined and structured in the exploration of three topics: Anamorphosis, Tessellations and Surfaces. To demonstrate this didactic strategy and methodology, it is described in greater detail the experience dedicated to the Anamorphosis theme. As conclusion, the full paper acknowledges the success of these didactic experiences on the students engagement with the challenges, the potential of digital tools to support design development and the opportunity opened by the digital modeling on geometry teaching.