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Architecture and Digital Fabrication (Thesis Elective)
Architektur und Digitale Fabrikation (Wahlfacharbeit)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:54:54
Abstract
Advance in technology revolutionizes design and fabrication processes within architecture. Digital fabrication allows immediate production from design data. The architect as author of these data takes a key role in this development.This course focuses on strategies for architectural production by means of algorithmic design tools and computer controlled fabrication methods.
Objective
The goal of the „Wahlfacharbeit“ is the in depth analysis of a specific topic in the field of digital design and fabrication. The students should develop a personal, algorithmic design system till fabrication. A theoretic placement of the work within the current research discourse is desirable.
Content
We use the term digital materiality to describe an emergent transformation in the expression of architecture. Materiality is increasingly being enriched with digital characteristics, which substantially affect architecture’s physis. Digital materiality evolves through the interplay between digital and material processes in design and construction. The synthesis of two seemingly distinct worlds – the digital and the material – generates new, self-evident realities. Data and material, programming and construction are interwoven. This synthesis is enabled by the techniques of digital fabrication, which allows the architect to control the manufacturing process through design data. Material is thus enriched by information; material becomes “informed.” In the future, architects’ ideas will permeate the fabrication process in its entirety. This new situation transforms the possibilities and thus the professional scope of the architect.
Resources
Lecture Notes
The script can be purchased during the course. It is available in German only.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| independent project |
Architektur und Digitale Fabrikation (Wahlfacharbeit)
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
Selbständige Arbeit .
Die Wahlfacharbeit findet an unserem Lehrstuhl in einer vierwöchigen Kompaktphase zu Beginn der vorlesungsfreien Zeit statt.
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180 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Focus Work (Realization in the respective fields of the institutes. Definition of topics by professors, in consultation with the students. The content may also refer to an elective course. The performance assessment comprises either a purely written examination followed by an oral examination or a creative, manual or drawing work, including a description, followed by an oral examination. At least one focus work is a written work followed by an oral exam. The written work fulfills the criteria of a scientific paper in a formal sense. In addition to the design, crafting or drawing part, it also includes a written description of the question, methodology and knowledge gained. A creative, crafting or graphic focus work is shown in a public exhibition, a purely written focus work is accessible to the public.)
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Field of Technology in Architecture (Definition of topics by professors, in consultation with the students (student's proposal / content of an elective course). Performance assessment: Purely written examination followed by an oral examination OR a creative, manual or drawing work, including a description, followed by an oral examination. At least one focus work is a written work followed by an oral exam. The written work fulfills the criteria of a scientific paper in a formal sense. In addition to the design, crafting or drawing part, it also includes a written description of the question, methodology and possibly gained knowledge. A creative, crafting or graphic focus work is shown in a public exhibition, a purely written focus work is accessible to the public. Information on exams and grades: Art. 29 of the MSc D-ARCH regulations.)
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