On this four-week practical course from the University of Michigan, you’ll not only learn how to use the Rhino software to create your 3D models, but you’ll also gain basic design skills to help bring your imagination to life. This course will guide you through 3D modeling within Rhino, so you’ll cover the fundamentals of the software as well as 3D modeling in general. You’ll first look at how to navigate the user interface and the different tools that you’ll be using to create models throughout this course. You’ll familiarize yourself with the 3D space and 3D objects before jumping straight in to create your own objects and building blocks.
Design is a vital part of 3D modeling. You can be a master of the software but if you aren’t aware of fundamental design concepts, you won’t be able to truly unleash your potential. You’ll build your basic design skills by looking at line, shape, form, and space, before creating and editing 2D line forms that you’ll transform into patterned mandalas and 3D tile wall designs.
This course will guide you through the concept of profile modeling and will allow you to utilize 3D surface and 3D solid modeling tools to create and edit more complex designs. To round out your foundational knowledge, you’ll dive into 3D rendering and creating 3D printable models. Then, once you’ve completed each step of the course, you can bring your newfound skills together into one final 3D modeling project.
This course has been designed for anyone interested in 3D design and learning how to use 3D modeling software. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience to benefit from this course. It will be particularly useful to Architects, Designers, Engineers, or anyone studying in these fields.
Following an introduction to the fundamentals of the interface, we will be exploring building blocks in 3D space, the Boolean Modeling and figured space.
Week 2 focuses on compositional design and builds on tools used in week 1. This week primarily revolves around using 2D lines, curves and shapes to understand the concepts of 3D geometries.
the essential six: offset, trim, join, explode, extend, fillet•14 minutes
using a bitmap underlay•15 minutes
3D tile: example one•16 minutes
3D tile: example two•10 minutes
bonus: modeling the block M•6 minutes
5 readings•Total 50 minutes
zip file for the assignments•10 minutes
2.1 instructions•10 minutes
2.1 self- assessment rubric•10 minutes
2.2 instructions•10 minutes
2.2 self- assessment rubric•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 20 minutes
shapes and mandala•10 minutes
lines | curves | extrusion•10 minutes
2 app items•Total 120 minutes
2.1 gallery tool•60 minutes
2.2 gallery tool•60 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
end of week discussion•10 minutes
object modeling
Module 3•7 hours to complete
Module details
In this lesson students will learn to create 3D models of given and found household objects utilizing techniques and tools that explicate the concept of profile modeling, putting into practice learner's geometrical understanding of objects as assemblies, axis, symmetries, and sections.
cutter: bitmap scaling and regulating lines•11 minutes
cutter: handle•6 minutes
cutter: cap•6 minutes
cutter: cutting wheel•6 minutes
cutter: arms•14 minutes
cutter: pin•5 minutes
cutter: guard•11 minutes
cutter: label•7 minutes
5 readings•Total 50 minutes
zip file for the assignments•10 minutes
3.2 instructions•10 minutes
3.2 self- assessment rubric•10 minutes
3.3 instructions•10 minutes
3.3 self- assessment rubric•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 34 minutes
profile modeling•12 minutes
surface modeling•12 minutes
object model fundamentals•10 minutes
2 app items•Total 120 minutes
3.2 gallery tool•60 minutes
3.3 gallery tool•60 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
end of week discussion•10 minutes
surface modeling
Module 4•6 hours to complete
Module details
This week we learn how to create and edit complex surfaces using various different commands like loft, patch surface, surfaces from 2 or more curves, etc.
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.