Abstract:

Though 3D Printing is quickly becoming a ubiquitous medium in recreational and professional contexts, it is remarkable how little attention has been put towards the inputs required in creating 3D models suitable for fabrication. The landscape for high precision 3D modeling software is completely saturated, where basic planar geometries are refined with basic functions and Boolean operations. Yet the controlled creation of nonplanar forms on a digital platform is quite complex and often inaccessible to the typical architectural design student. In order to ameliorate this dilemma, students in Canada’s largest Architectural Science program supplemented their 3D modeling software skills with photogrammetric 3D scanning tools including handheld and turntable desktop 3D scanners to drone-mounted photogrammetry tools. A comparative examination of work and the impact and pedagogical value outlines the incredibly robust design potential 3D scanning provides contemporary students, designers, and architects.

Keywords:

3D Scanning, drones, architectural pedagogy, digital design.