Computational Design IV

Abstract

This class builds on the digital literacy foundations taught in the previous year and expands the acquired competence in the use of computers in design. At the core stands the question of how to use digital architectural design methods in a creative, purposeful and self-confident manner.

Objective

The course consists of lectures and exercises. The lectures convey an insight into strategies for the implementation of algorithmic techniques in architectural design by presenting and discussing the research and the build work of the professorship. This pragmatic view on the computational design process helps demystifying algorithmic techniques and developing a critical understanding for their potentials in the architectural praxis. Programming is an extension of traditional design tools. While this powerful cultural technique allows us to handle complexity in a previously unknown way, the question of its meaning, relevance and potential needs to be negotiated on a context specific base for every single project. In order to be able to do this, we shall develop a conceptual understanding for the methods as well as familiarity with the practice of programming. While the works discussed in the lectures sharpen the conceptual understanding, the tutored exercises will train the programming practice. In these sessions, we will implement simplified yet powerful versions of the discussed projects by using Rhinoceros 3D as a modeler and Grasshopper as a visual programming interface, both environments that have been introduced in the previous semesters. Up-to-date and detailed information on the lectures and exercises is announced on MOODLE, which will serve as the teaching platform for this course. The specific learning goals are: • To develop a critical awareness for the potentials of algorithmic design methods. • Learn to deploy parametric design strategies. • Become familiar with the practice of visual programming. • Understand the concepts and potentials of digital fabrication.

Resources