The seminar investigates a long term tradition of modeling in architecture dedicated to measure building’s technical performances.Through weakly readings and class discussion, we will explore different ways to experience architecture at little scale. Conveying virtual and empirical tools, aesthetic and technical goals, the practice of modeling allow a transversal reading on architectural history.

In lecture series coupled with a series of taught exercises, the course establishes a conceptual framework of digital fabrication in architecture. The exercises focus on simple yet powerful methods of digital, computational and algorithmic design. Two seminar sessions open a debate on the digital as a driving force of a future building and architecture culture.

Subject of the course is robotic fabrication in architecture. Through exercises, basic skills such as robotic control are being taught and applied to a small design and fabrication project. The course teaches how to develop a simple fabrication and material aware digital design process linked to a robotic fabrication procedure.