Introduction to Computational Research in Architecture, Engineering, Fabrication and Construction

Abstract

This PhD-level course introduces computational methods for architecture engineering, fabrication and construction, incentivising computational literacy. Students learn the theoretical background and basic implementation details of fundamental data structures and algorithms and methods for solving real-world problems using the COMPAS framework and other open-source libraries.

Objective

1. Understand the scope and relevance of computational methods for architecture and engineering research and practice. 2. Learn the theoretical background of fundamental data structures. 3. Study the basic principles of algorithmic design. 4. Implement basic versions of prevalent algorithms related to architectural geometry, structural design, robotic assembly, volumetric modeling and 3D-printing, and high-performance computation. 5. Use sophisticated algorithms available through open-source libraries to solve real-world problems. 6. Use common CAD tools as interfaces to obtain self-implemented solutions.

Content

The course consists of lectures, tutorials and project-based exercises. Topics include: - Introduction to Python programming. - Introduction to the COMPAS framework. - Introduction to geometry processing, data structures, topology, numerical computation. - Introduction to scripting in CAD software. - Domain-specific case-studies.

Resources