Course detail

Computer Skills – 3D CAD

FA-P3D-NEAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course introduces students to the basics of using systems for Computer Aided Design (CAD). It focuses namely on creating 3D models and the basics of photorealistic rendering for architectural design. The CAD systems are explained in general and the application in the programme Rhinoceros 7.
In the study programmes “Architecture and Urban Design”, the course is part of the courses on tools.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. arch. Jan Foretník, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Spatial Design (UPT)

Offered to foreign students

Of all faculties

Entry knowledge

Not applicable.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The assessment consists of the developed project and a credit test. The 3D project and the photorealistic visualization of a selected building or object using the methods mastered in the individual practicals. The output is a 3D model (.3dm) and a simple animation. The project forms 45 % of the assessment. Students are required to work continuously which forms 15 % of the assessment. The credit test verifies the knowledge and forms 40 % of the assessment.
The initial block of practicals is not compulsory. Students must participate in 80 % of the remaining practicals at minimum. Absences cannot be compensated, they could be only excused for serious reasons.
In the case of a student's apology and with approval of the course guarantor, personal participation may be substituted with online participation in the lesson.

Aims

The aim of the course is to master the methods which will allow students to create individually a 3D model of their architectural design, and to create a photorealistic visualization.
  • Students will get information for the work with spatial data in CAD editor.
  • Students will master working in vector editor (Rhinoceros).
  • Students will master the methods and processes for creating spatial model of a studied object.
  • Students will master methods and processes for creating photorealistic visualization of 3D models.
  • Students will be able to create simple animation.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

ISSA, Rajaa. Essential Mathematics for Computational Design (online). Robert McNeel & Associates, 2021. https://developer.rhino3d.com/guides/general/essential-mathematics/ (EN)
PIEGL, Les A.; TILLER, Wayne. The NURBS book. Springer, 1997, 2. vydání. ISBN 3-540-61545-8. (EN)
Rhino User's Guide for Windows. Robert McNeel & Associates, 2023. Online: https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/7/help/en-us/index.htm (EN)
SALOMON, David. Curves and surfaces for computer. New York: Springler Science+Business Media, 2006. ISBN: 0-387-24196-5. (EN)

Recommended reading

BARTELS, Richard H.; BEATTY, John C.; BARSKY, Brian A. An introduction to splines for use in computer graphics and geometric modeling. San Mateo, USA: Morgan Kaufmann, 1995. ISBN: 1-55860-400-6. (EN)
FORETNÍK, Jan. NURBSdemo (online tool). Brno: FA BUT, 2012. URL: http://geometrie.foretnik.net/files/NURBS-en.swf (EN)
LOCKWOOD, E. H. Book of Curves. Cambridge University Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-521-04444-8. (EN)
ROGERS, David F. An Introduction to NURBS: With Historical Perspective. Morgan Kaufmann, 2001. ISBN 1-558-60669-6. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme NE_A+U Master's

    specialization --- (do 2022) , 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    specialization --- (do 2022) , 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, elective
    specialization --- (2023) , 1 year of study, winter semester, elective
    specialization --- (2023) , 2 year of study, winter semester, elective

  • Programme B_A+U Bachelor's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. arch. Jan Foretník, Ph.D.