2026-09-14 3DM Lecture - Work on CHK#1 + Reveal Topic 3&4
Quick recap
This was a 3D modeling class where Professor Brian Williams introduced a new computing hub system for students to work on their major project in real-time during class. The professor explained that students would follow along with his progress on building a cabin while working on their own designs, with the computing hub allowing them to access tutorial videos and submit work for class participation points. The class began with students trying to access the hub and complete checkpoint one, which required creating a design sketch for their cabin project. Professor Williams encountered technical issues with the first video having glitches and being split into multiple parts, which he quickly fixed by uploading a revised version. He also discovered he had accidentally enrolled some students in the wrong module (DDM instead of 3D modeling) and corrected this issue. The professor then revealed the topics for groups 3 and 4, with Group 3 tasked with a comparative analysis between SketchUp, 3D Studio Max, and Blender, while Group 4 will research how rapid prototyping technology is used in architecture schools.
Next steps
Brian
Fix the video glitch for Checkpoint 1, Part 1 (already uploaded Revision 2).
Ensure all students are correctly assigned to the "Intro to 3D Modelling" module, not DDM.
Collaboration
All students: Register for the Computing Hub and join the "Intro to 3D Modelling" module if not already done.
All students: Complete Checkpoint 1 (design sketch and schematic CAD drawing) before the next class at 2 o'clock.
All students: Submit the design sketch via the class website (Google Form link under Assignments).
Group 3 (Gabrielle, Alain, etc.): Prepare a comparative analysis presentation on SketchUp vs. 3D Studio Max vs. Blender for the week after next.
Group 4 (Shane, etc.): Prepare a presentation on how rapid prototyping technology (3D printing) is used in schools of architecture for the week after next.
All students: Begin Part 2 of Checkpoint 1 (2D schematic drawing in Revit) after this class, to be completed before the next class.
Summary
Technical Setup and Critique Discussion
The meeting began with technical setup and greetings from Brian, who checked if participants could hear him. The discussion ended abruptly as Brian asked how everyone's critique went, but no further details about the critique were provided in the transcript.
Major Project Structure Overview
Brian explained the structure of the major project, where students will work on building their own cabins while following his progress through the Computing Hub platform. He outlined that students will complete the project by week 10, working on the same components (walls, roof, etc.) as he does, and emphasized this approach allows for more practical learning time in class. Brian also announced a change to class participation requirements, where students working on the major project will automatically receive participation points. The class began working on checkpoint one, which involves creating a design sketch, with students having the flexibility to use digital tools or physical paper.
Design Checkpoint Tutorial Instructions
Brian instructed students to complete checkpoint one, which requires creating a design sketch and 2D drawing using the provided website and tutorial videos. He explained that students should watch all tutorial videos in sequence, taking screenshots as needed, and use the content as inspiration while creating their own unique designs within the specified constraints of a 20x20 foot building with a lower enclosed floor and upper open lookout floor. The class was moved from its usual time slot, and students were expected to finish checkpoint one before the next class at 2 PM.
Hub Module Access and Assignments
Brian explained that the hub module would be available for students to access both inside and outside of class, with class participation points only being earned during active class time. He discovered that several students, including Nyema and Ali, were incorrectly assigned to the DDM module instead of 3D modeling, and he worked to correct these assignments during the session. The meeting involved troubleshooting access issues for students who couldn't see the tutorial videos in their assigned modules, with Brian guiding them through the process of refreshing their pages and ensuring proper module assignments.
3D Modeling Tutorial Session
Brian led a session on 3D modeling, helping students access the platform and navigate the new tutorial system. He explained that students can earn class participation points by working on the video content during class time, with participation worth 10% of the final grade. Brian demonstrated how to adjust audio settings to manage overlapping audio from both the video and instructor, and guided students through refreshing their interfaces to access the checkpoint content.
Video Glitch Resolution Meeting
Brian explained that video points are only banked at the end of each video and cannot be earned by skipping ahead. Several students reported technical issues with the first video, including freezing at specific timestamps and progression problems. Brian identified and resolved the glitches by uploading a revised version of the checkpoint video, combining it into a single part to eliminate the pause issues. He disabled participation tracking for the affected video to avoid confusion about progress and points.
Student Drawing Submission Process
Brian discussed how students can submit their drawings, explaining that they can use any preferred drawing app and just need a way to submit the work to him, whether through screenshot, picture, scan, or other method. He also mentioned that students don't need to use Mirror Board if they prefer another tool. The conversation included some audio sharing from Brian's screen that appeared to be content in a different language.
Design Coursework Project Updates
Brian explained how to upload design sketches to the coursework project section on the website, which requires taking a photo with a phone and submitting through a Google form. He addressed technical issues students were experiencing with video playback and buffering, suggesting they refresh the page or adjust the video position. Brian announced the new topics for Groups 3 and 4, with Group 3 tasked to conduct a comparative analysis between SketchUp, 3D Studio Max, and Blender, while Group 4 will explore how rapid prototyping technology is used in architecture schools. He instructed students to complete Part 2 of Checkpoint 1, which involves creating a 2D schematic drawing in Revit, with participation in this activity being calculated as part of their grade.
Attendees: Brian Williams (Organizer), Katherine Daye (External), Leon Strachan (External), Matthew (External), Shane Harrison-El (External), Shane Harrison-El (External), Christina Lawrence (External), Gianna Lewis (External), Christina Lawrence (External), Tori Stubbs (External), Jason Christie (External), Katherine Daye (External), Katherine Daye (External), Gabrielle Morgan (External), Rhayann La Rosa (External), Breanna Moss (External), Onaje Skeene (External), Ruth-Ann Ellington (External), Destiny Wallace (External), Chenique Duncan (External), and 21 others.
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