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Computational Structural Design I
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:02
Abstract
This course presents the potentials of combining graphic statics with computational tools.
Objective
At the conclusion of this course, participants will have: - Fundamental knowledge of graphic statics. - Basic parametric thinking and modelling with Rhinoceros and Grasshopper. - Elementary skills in Python scripting. - Experience using computational tools based on graphic statics for the design and analysis of structures. - Understanding of the potential of studying graphic statics using computational tools.
Content
This course presents new structural design opportunities that emerge when graphic statics, an intuitive equilibrium-based method for the form-finding, analysis and design of structures, is combined with computational tools. After a review of graphic statics fundamentals and an introduction to basic parametric tools, the course focuses on studying different computational approaches to program graphic statics algorithms for the form-finding and analysis of structures, from linear (procedural) algorithms to programs with more complex data structures. More specifically, the students will build linear parametric graphic statics models using Grasshopper, read and code basic graphic statics algorithms using Python, and explore the design space offered by tools developed by the Block Research Group such as Interactive Graphic Statics (IGS) and RhinoVault2 (rV2). The practical potential and relevance of these methods will be demonstrated through various design-oriented tutorials and exercises.
Resources
Literature
"Skript Tragwerksentwurf I&II" http://www.block.arch.ethz.ch/eq/course/4?lang=en Printed versions can be bought at the chair of Structural Design Prof. Schwartz. "Faustformel Tragwerksentwurf" (Philippe Block, Christoph Gengangel, Stefan Peters, DVA Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt 2013, ISBN: 978-3-421-03904-0) "The art of structures, Introduction to the functioning of structures in architecture" (Aurelio Muttoni, EPFL Press, 2011, ISBN-13: 978-0415610292, ISBN-10: 041561029X) "Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures" (Edward Allen, Waclaw Zalewski, October 2009, ISBN: 978-0-470-17465-4)
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Computational Structural Design I
No course 28.10. (seminar week) and in the last two semester weeks (final critiques).
|
|
3 h weekly |