Computational Graphic Statics

Abstract

This course explores new structural design opportunities that arise when combining graphic statics —an intuitive, equilibrium-based method for form-finding, analysis, and design of structures— with computational tools.

Objective

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

Content

The course begins with a review of graphic statics fundamentals and an introduction to basic parametric tools. It then focuses on various computational approaches for programming graphic statics algorithms, ranging from linear (procedural) algorithms to more complex data structures. Specifically, students will: - Create interactive graphic statics drawings using Grasshopper. - Read and code basic graphic statics algorithms using Python. - Explore design possibilities with Interactive Graphic Statics (IGS2), a tool developed by the Block Research Group for analyzing, form-finding, and designing 2D equilibrium structural systems based on graphic statics. The practical potential and relevance of these methods will be demonstrated through a series of design-oriented tutorials and exercises.

Resources