2026-09-07 3DM - Issue Major Project
Quick recap
The class, led by Brian Williams, focused on introducing the major project for the semester, which involved designing and modeling a timber lookout tower using Revit and rendering software like Twinmotion. Brian detailed the project requirements, including a 20x20 foot footprint, two stories, stilts, stud walls, and specific deliverables like renderings and exploded views. He explained the checkpoint system, with Checkpoint 1 starting with analog sketches of the site, floor plan, section, and elevation. Brian also introduced a new platform, the CSA Computing Hub, for tutorials and participation tracking, where points could be earned during class and potentially added as a bonus to assignment grades. Due to a scheduling conflict with a studio crit, the class activity for Checkpoint 1 was postponed to the next session. The class also covered the process for accessing and using the new computing platform.
Next steps
Brian
Move the Checkpoint 1 sketching activity to the Monday 8 AM lecture slot.
Set a different participation time bracket for Abby-Anne to accommodate her timetable clash.
Accept and process CSA Computing Hub access requests from students.
Assign Abby-Anne to a presentation group (Group 4).
Release the tutorial videos for Checkpoint 1 on the CSA Computing Hub for the next class.
Shane
Resolve Revit login/password issues for access by tomorrow.
Collaboration
All Students: Sign up for the CSA Computing Hub before the next class.
All Students: Complete Checkpoint 1 (sketching) during the rescheduled Monday class.
Summary
Audio Presentation Review Meeting
The transcript appears to contain audio sharing from Brian Williams playing or presenting what sounds like music, with lyrics about sunrise, rain, and breaking free. The content consists entirely of audio playback with no discussion or decisions made during a meeting. There are no actionable items, next steps, or decisions to summarize from this content.
Semester Project Overview and Checkpoints
Brian introduced a major project that will span the entire semester, with checkpoints to be completed at regular intervals. He explained that the project will progress from hand sketches to 3D animations, with checkpoint 3 being the most important and valued submission. Brian noted that while late submissions will still be accepted, students who complete the project at the end of the semester will miss out on ongoing benefits and support.
Timber Lookout Tower Coursework Project
Brian explained a coursework project requiring students to design a timber lookout tower with accommodation for lifeguards near a water body, with specific requirements including a 20x20 foot footprint, two-story design on stilts, and stud walls. The project involves modeling, rendering, and animation using Revit software, with deliverables including photorealistic renderings and an exploded view. Brian emphasized that while students can be creative with design choices, the focus should be on modeling skills rather than complex design, as the majority of the grade will be based on model accuracy, lighting, rendering, and animation rather than design quality.
Lookout Tower Design Requirements
Brian outlined key design requirements for a two-story lookout tower project, including ventilation, a steel foundation, and specific site requirements like a slope and water body. He explained the checkpoint system with submissions made through the handout form, and announced that students would create analog sketches of their designs during class time, which would later be converted to digital drawings using Rivet's drafting features. Brian clarified that this was classwork, not an assignment, and would not interfere with students' schedules for upcoming trips.
5-Checkpoint Architecture Project Structure
Brian outlined a five-checkpoint project structure for students, starting with creating a 2D site plan sketch and progressing to 3D modeling, foundation building, main structure development, and photorealistic rendering using Twinmotion or similar programs. He emphasized the importance of contour lines, proper lighting control, and original design concepts rather than basic shapes. Students were instructed to review the project handout on the class website and prepare their initial sketches, which should include water features and architectural definition beyond basic boxes.
Class Updates and New Systems
Brian announced that students should use the Miro board for class activities and presentations, with a reminder that the website submission method is required rather than the board copy. He addressed concerns about an upcoming project deadline and modified the timeline to allow students to complete some work in class and finish the rest for the next session. Brian introduced a new computing platform called the CAC Computing Hub to address pacing issues and implemented a participation system based on a streak model where students earn points by watching tutorial videos during class time, which will count toward 10% of their overall grade.
New Participation System Introduction
Brian explained the new participation system where students will earn points for attending class and tutorials, with the warning that missing participation opportunities will result in lower points. He announced that students with high participation levels will receive bonus marks on assignments, with the bonus calculated based on their participation percentage at the time of evaluation. Brian also introduced a new individualized tutorial approach where students will work through tutorials independently while receiving personalized feedback, allowing them to progress at their own pace. The class was ready to begin the new system with students directed to use the "connect to the CSA computing hub" button on the class website.
3D Modelling Course Registration Process
Brian demonstrated the process of signing up for a 3D modelling course, showing participants how to use Google sign-in or email registration, and explained the security requirements including ID verification and photo upload. He guided participants through the access request process and emphasized that this platform is separate from the UTEC student portal system. At the end of the demonstration, Ashauni asked about the timing of classes, and Brian clarified that they had adjusted the schedule, moving the 3-hour class to accommodate Mr. Mills's 1-hour commute.
CSA Computing Hub Platform Introduction
Brian introduced a new platform called CSA Computing Hub for the computing modules, explaining how students can access it and track their participation through videos and activities. He guided students through the platform features, including how to upload photos and watch tutorial videos, and clarified that participation percentages affect assignment grades. The class was about to begin checkpoint one activities when the transcript ended.
Interactive Tutorial System Demonstration
Brian demonstrated a new tutorial system where users can watch videos and earn points by completing them, with a requirement to send screenshots before proceeding to the next video. He explained that users can interact with the videos by right-clicking to ask questions, which will place a marker in the video for Brian to review. The system includes features for users to ask questions and get help from the instructor directly during the class.
Checkpoint One Sketch Rescheduling
Brian explained that the class would be working on checkpoint one, specifically part one which involves creating a sketch. Due to scheduling conflicts, he agreed to move the sketch activity to Monday's 8 AM lecture time instead of the current class period. Brian addressed individual student concerns about timing conflicts and course registration, and confirmed that while the participation points would only apply during scheduled class times, students could complete the work outside class hours to meet the requirements.
Attendees: Brian Williams (Organizer), Breanna Moss (External), Matthew (External), Abby-Anne Wilson (External), Chenique Duncan (External), Gabrielle Morgan (External), Leon Strachan (External), Breanna Moss (External), Leon Strachan (External), k. carby (External), Gianna Lewis (External), Gianna Lewis (External), TARA HARRIS (External), Tara Harris (External), Denzil Pearson (External), Jason Christie (External), TARA HARRIS (External), Tori Stubbs (External), Christina Lawrence (External), Gabrielle Morgan (External), and 16 others.