2004 FPG Summer Project #00235

Last Modified: Mar 25, 2004

Name	College	Department or Division
Geoffrey Eroe	Phoenix College	Communication/Theatre/IT
Employee ID	E-mail Address	Work Phone
xxxxxxxx	geoffrey.eroe@pcmail.maricopa.edu	(602) 285-7303
Project
Title		Location
Learning 3D Studio Max computer software		Phoenix College
Group Application
This is not a group project

Project Dates and Amounts
	Summer I view timeline details	Summer II view timeline details
Timeline Dates	Jun 10 - Jun 11, 2004	Jul 1 - Jul 12, 2004
Hours	164.5	47
Wages	$3,656.84	$1,044.81
Registration Fees	0.00	0.00
Subtotals	$3,656.84	$1,044.81
Total Proposal Amount		$4,701.65

Details
Abstract Write a concise overview with descriptive information about your project (location, time span, etc.) not to exceed 120 words. To take advantage of spelling and word count tools, you can compose this in a blank Word document, copy the text, and paste it in below (all formatting will be reset to normal text).
The purpose of this project is to learn the computer software 3D Studio Max., the premiere software in the design industry for animation and rendering. This software will be used eventually in the Architectural Animation, DFT 262 which I teach and I will be using it for rendering and animating stage designs for the John Paul Theatre, Phoenix College. I have a grant copy of the software and will be learning the software on my home computer. Timeline is approximately 135 hours over Summer I and Summer II.
Purpose Explain your purpose in depth and include relevancy and components of the project. Include a statement of goals and objectives. This is what you want to do and why.
PURPOSE: My purpose is to learn 3D Studio Max for the purpose of teaching the software in the Architectural Animation course, DFT 262 and to use it for stage design work for the John Paul Theatre, Phoenix College, where I am the resident designer. (It will also be used as an example of design software in THP 216 and THP 217). As an instructor in Architectural Drafting and Theatre Design at Phoenix College I currently teach and use the 3D Studio VIZ, the cousin "software" to 3D Studio Max. 3D Studio Max is a far more powerful software for architectural / design animation and rendering. It is our plan to begin using 3D Studio Max here at the college both in Architectural Drafting and in Stage Design. (VIZ will probably be phased out as standalone software and imbedded into Architectural Desktop, a computer aided drafting program owned by the same software developer.) 3D Studio Max has a similar user interface as VIZ, but is a far more involved and advanced than VIZ. It also includes a sophisticated character animator for walkthroughs and animations. It has a far greater learning curve than VIZ. With our adopting this software both in the classroom and for production work, it is necessary that I learn the software as soon as possible.I propose learning the software through a series of tutorial training sessions available on line and with the training book that accompanies the software. I also plan to meet with a certified Max trainer at the CAD Store, an official AutoDesk training center in Glendale, for a general overview of the software. A possible practice scenario for getting started might be: 1. Opening or starting a new scene 2. Modeling objects and applying realistic materials 3. Navigation of view ports and interface of 3D Studio Max 4. Rendering the scene. GOALS: 1.Learn the software and its applications. 2.Be able to incorporate the software into the DFT 262 course. 3.Be able to utilize the software for the design and animation of stage designs.
Professional Growth Your own professional growth is a large part of your project. Your professional growth is important to you, your students, and possibly other colleagues. How will this project affect you professionally? What skills will you learn? What environment will you be working in, and how will it influence your teaching or other responsibilities?
By learning this software (3D Studio Max) I will greatly increase my knowledge of 3d based animation software for application to architectural rendering and stage design. First, this allows the designer to actually design in 3 dimensions at the onset of a project and easily make visual changes before construction begins. Secondly, it allows "the client" the opporunity to see how the architectural design or stage design is being visualized by the designer, as the client can "walk through" the space and see everything in 3 dimensions before it is built. It also serves as a guide to others working on the project to see what is actually taking shape. (See attached disk labeled "Sample 3D Walkthrough.avi") Thus, by learning this software I will be better able to visualize my own design work in the conceptual stages and I will become a better visual communicator of my own design work to others. I will also become a more informed teacher of 3D visualization software and its creative communicative potential; furthermore this gained knowledge will prepare me for the eventual installation of this software (3D Studio Max) into our CAD lab and Theatre Design Studio.
Benefits
Select the primary area of benefit:	Benefits for students
What benefit is this project to the group checked above? What new information, ideas, attitudes, skills, appreciation, etc. will you bring back?
The students will benefit from my knowledge of the software in the classroom as I will be able to teach them to use the new software in developing their skills and techniques in architectural rendering and animation. Students in the theatre department will benefit from seeing shows realized on the computer weeks before the show is on the stage and I will be able to walk them through the sets as actors or technicians so they can see all elements in detail. This is relatively new technology for stage design, so it will enable theatre design students to see what potentials exist in the application of this type of design software.