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

Abstract

The PhD-level course (primarily for A&T PhDs) will introduce computational methods for architecture, engineering, fabrication & construction, incentivising computational literacy. Students learn the theoretical background and basic implementation details of fundamental data structures and algorithms, and to solve real­world problems using the COMPAS framework and other open-source libraries.

Objective

Understand the scope and relevance of computational methods for architecture and engineering research and practice, ii) the theoretical background of fundamental data structures, iii) the basic principles of algorithmic design; iv) implement basic versions of prevalent algorithms related to architectural geometry, structural design, robotic assembly, volumetric modeling & 3D printing, high-performance computation; v) use sophisticated algorithms available through open-source libraries to solve real-world problems; and, vi) use common CAD tools as interfaces to self-implemented solutions.

Content

Course consists of a few lectures, several tutorials and project-based exercises. Topics include: - intro Python programming - intro COMPAS open-source framework ( https://compas-ev.github.io - intro to geometry processing, data structures, topology, numerical computation - domain-specific case studies (e.g. on architectural geometry, structural design, robotic assembly, volumetric modeling & 3D printing, high-performance computation)

Resources