3D Design and Digital Fabrication

Summer course “3D design and Digital fabrication” aims at bridging the gap between ideas and their physical representation by introducing students to the basics of three-dimensional modeling, analytic drawing, mock-up making and rapid prototyping technologies. It gives a unique opportunity to learn about product design process and practice different approaches to develop an idea into a prototype with the help of digital and analog techniques.

We invite a diverse auditorium of creative people: product or industrial designers, computer graphics artists, fine arts or business-focused students. The module will be of interest for both experienced designers and beginners who'd like to expand their knowledge and understanding of the subject area. Both Russian and international students can take part in the Summer School, all teaching will be conducted in English.

The module consists of 3 weeks of intensive teaching: cross-disciplinary curricula offers courses which represent different stages of design process from hand drawing to computer visualization and production. Extensive practical work is aimed at gaining insight into contemporary product design process and is lead by qualified professors. The facilities for the courses include well-equipped laboratories, computer rooms and drawing studios of SPbPU. Part of the Summer School takes place in FabLab Polytech, a digital fabrication center located inside University's campus — a unique environment for creativity and collaboration.

The cultural program includes:

• Boat city tour for students to get acquainted with the beauty of the city; 
• Excursion to the Hermitage, one of the world’s largest and oldest museums of fine art; 
• Farewell Event; 
• Excursion to Peterhof palace-ensemble with picturesque gardens, a countless number of fountains and giant golden statues (optional, for extra price); 
• Excursion to Pushkin, former tzar summer residence famous for its palace and park ensemble. Students will visit the outstanding Catherine Palace with glorious Amber room (optional, for extra price).

• Good command of English. All classes and extracurricular activities are conducted in English. Knowledge of the Russian language is not required.
• Applicants are expected to have at least 2 year of University level studies.

Being one of the latest trends, computer modeling and visualization have become important stages of product and industrial design process. It enables creating realistic images and animations as well as careful handling of the object's details. The course will be an introduction to the basics of 3D modeling software and will guide the students through topics of planning, modeling, shading and rendering with the help of examples and templates. An emphasis on practical work will enable the students to get a profound experience of the software and create their own model. 
The course will also show the connection between computer model and tangible prototype and will focus on preparing the model for digital fabrication.

Drawing has been a part of design process for years: not only as rough sketching, but also as a way to analyze and understand a volumetric object. In comparison to computer modeling, it is not limited by any technological or software capabilities and allows more experimentation and exploration.

Analytic drawing is a useful tool for designing objects and a perfect way to foster imagination and creative thinking. The course will explore how to represent existing objects on a paper using constructive drawing and how to develop own ideas and visualize them with quick sketches.

The ability to digitally fabricate parts and whole pieces directly from computer models presents a whole spectrum of opportunities for designers. Access to laser cutting, CNC milling and 3D printing bridges the gap between designer and product allowing more control and iteration.

The course will provide an environment for experimentation with digital fabrication equipment and introduce students to details of prototyping process: tools, work-flow and aesthetics.

6-hours intensive course of Survival Russian is also included into the syllabus.