Computational Structural Design I

Abstract

This course presents the potentials of combining graphic statics with computational tools.

Objective

By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following: - Use graphic statics for the form finding and analysis of structures. - Understand the goal and structure of an algorithm. - Create algorithms based on graphic statics to explore equilibrium systems. - Explain the potential of studying graphic statics models using computational tools. - Use Interactive Graphic Statics (IGS2) for the analysis, form finding and design of 2D structures. - Apply computational graphic statics in design contexts. - Basic use of Rhinoceros and Grasshopper. - Demonstrate elementary skills in Python scripting.

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 create graphic statics interactive drawings using Grasshopper, read and code basic graphic statics algorithms using Python, and explore the design space offered by Interactive Graphic Statics (IGS2), a tool developed by the Block Research Group for the analysis, form-finding and design of 2D equilibrium structural systems. The practical potential and relevance of these methods will be demonstrated through various design-oriented tutorials and exercises.

Resources