In computer science, algorithms are habitually defined as fixed and often finite procedures of step-by-step instructions understood to produce something other than themselves.
These logic structures interface with data, sourced from any computable phenomena, becoming the basis for a new array of design strategies. The Computational Design Seminar focuses on emergent design strategies based on algorithmic design logics. From the physical spaces of our built environment to the networked spaces of digital culture, algorithmic and computational strategies are reshaping not only design strategies, but the entire perception of Architecture and its boundaries.
Computational design lies at the core of innovation in architecture and design nowadays. Increasingly the tools that we now use to design have expanded the range of our options to design, allowing for performance and complexity, and extending beyond the three dimensional space into a virtually limitless parametric realm of different versions of the design intent upon which to choose from.
By being able to effectively set up a parametric model, navigate these options and confronting them with analytical tools that are embedded in the design process, designers are able to take better informed decisions in order to create projects that are complex and performative by whichever metrics the designer wishes to challenge them with.
For this purpose, Grasshopper has significantly become the standard for computational design, not only within academia but across many trades and disciplines that encompass the creating process, providing easy access to algorithmic thinking and a large ecosystem of plugins that enables an easy access to a broad range of tools for advanced design.
The Computational Design I Seminar is divided in two groups according to the grasshopper level of the students.
Group A – Mastering the basics. The course focuses on teaching the fundamentals of visual scripting through Grasshopper while exploring the most basic concepts of computational design. From the generation of geometry as data into how to manage multiple geometrical information algorithmically, students become proficient in algorithmic thinking in order to navigate fluently in the complexity of geometrical data.
Group B – Developing the skills. Students that have enough grasshopper experience focus on developing their skills further by visiting advanced concepts of parametric design and learning the most recently developed tools to aid the algorithmic process. This course aims to solidify the ground of the basics of grasshopper while amplifying already existing concepts into more advanced notions that can be put into practice.
Manifesto This project is a development of a previous redesign of the Serpentine Pavilion 2017. It aims to use Wallacei to optimize the form of the pavilion to achieve maximum shading according to Ladybug. The design is divided into structure, roof and wall. The parameters are set to be the axes and openings of the … Read more
MANIFEST: In this project, we are looking for a design procedure that employs Genetic Optimization through Galapagos as the driving force to achieve optimal dimensions in height, arc length and number of main blocks for Catenary Arches with three basic modules. Embracing Galapagos as our guiding light, we embark on an evolutionary journey, refining parameters, … Read more
ASSIGNMENT INTRODUCTION The aim of the final assignment in the computational design seminar was to comprehend how various evolutionary solvers could be used in an architectural context in order to produce an optimized output. Using generative design tools like Galapapagos, Biomorpher and Wallacei, certain elements of a architectural project are to be experimented with respect … Read more
GENETIC OPTIMIZATION THROUGH COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN This work aimed to genetically optimize through computational design of a rainwater filtration tower. The tower is part of the design developed for the Digital Matter Studio. The group proposes to create a landscape structure that can collect and filter rainwater through chitosan, a bio-based material made from mussel shells … Read more
Genetic Optimization: Assignment 3 The project aims to provide the most optimal solution to maximize the shading of this housing project. The algorithm reflects the process of natural selection where each individuals are selected for the reproduction in order to produce descendant of the next generation. Through the exploration of Ladybug and Galapagos, we can … Read more
Manifest A monolithic tower structure which is exposed to lightning and attracts their immense energy. The aim of the project is to harvest and invest their electric potential into a structure which will be sheltered and protected to allow visitors to live in. The skin of the building will be lightning-based: the high voltage discharges … Read more
MANIFEST Alambique is an innovative housing project that explores the experience and integration of heat and water systems. The design revolves around a central core, which serves as the structural support and houses the vertical pipes responsible for moving up hot vapor. Surrounding the core are the bedroom, bathroom, living area, and kitchen, all constructed … Read more
Aperture Building This project is based on a design that was developed in the Self-Sufficient Buildings studio.Main concerns: visibility of surrounding site and sun exposure.Using Grasshopper, we were able to optimize the structure’s placement on the site and shape in relation to visibility and solar radiation.Phase 1: SiteThe first objective was to optimize the structure’s … Read more
The goal of this project was to create a city grid as a counter-plan to the man-made island that is the Lynetteholm proposal off the coast of Copenhagen. – We optimized our floating city to maximize solar radiation in Copenhagen’s dark winters. – We optimized public space so it can be a minimal, accessible distance away from … Read more
Abstract In the current era the “future” becomes an increasingly uncertain question. Huge projects are being built right now all over the world supported mainly on the interests of Real Estate speculation. This capitalist driven urban expansion relies on a specific typology: the Skyscraper. Simultaneously, the world population continues to increase, focusing on the urban. … Read more
SSB_Smallest Architecture_Heat MANIFEST BRIEF: A very small architectural intervention for one person, in the Balearic Archipelago. The function of this intervention is to be able to stay there for 24 hours (day/night), and 365 days (4 seasons)PHENOMENA: heatPROPOSAL: design a building, which use hot air and evaporative cooling to create a passive ventilation system PROJECT … Read more
Project Manifesto The project explores three main topics that represent a global concern within the present times: growing population, climate crisis and food production. Following these concepts, the main intervention is based on designing a city of the future, located in the actual site of Copenhagen’s North Harbor. In the past 10 years, the population … Read more
Genetic Optimization – Aquasun Oasis AquaSun Oasis is a continuation proposal for the digital matters research studio project which focuses on rainwater purification through biodegradable materials. The design of the form is based on rainwater collection and renewable solar energy while providing shade to the surroundings. The is to create a sustainable solution to conserve … Read more
CONCEPT The project aims to tensile structures that are architectural designs which use tension to provide structural support and stability, often characterized by their lightweight and flexible nature. These structures are used in a wide range of applications, from large-scale event venues to small-scale residential and commercial buildings. Frei Otto The research begins with a … Read more
Self-organized Structure 00 CONCEPT Nature chooses the most economical design, Form finding through an apparatus which settles into form according to the weights and forces and orientations it sets the desired model against gravity. The design is inspired by Frie otto. The word locally means that if we look in a small region around any … Read more
22/23 MAA01 program COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN G07 “FORCES OF NATURE” The “Forest Pavilion” has a computer generated form composed of multi pipes, where the parameters are based on form finding strategies of point collision (kangaroo parameters), these forms are then once again processed (through kangaroo) to create angularity and turned into strips for digital fabrication. STATE … Read more
This project explores the use of various physics simulations using Kangaroo in order to reach a structurally viable design proposal for the IaaC rooftop. The design relies on a combination of specific behaviors (below) that have been calibrated to achieve the desired form.
HYPERBOLIC PARABOLOID ROOF This research project in the field of architecture aims to investigate the application of physics simulations in the form-finding process of designing live-interactive installations using Kangaroo, located in IAAC’s rooftop. The design strategy is creating a simple geometry based on forces in compression and tension on different points. The pavilion’s sail-like plane … Read more
This project was developed in the Computational Design Seminar with the goal of proposing a new installation for the roof of IAAC’s main building using parametric design through Grasshopper and Kangaroo components. The resulting structure aims to improve the quality of the open area, adding shade, light, and shadow effects and creating a base for … Read more
Affected by Sun Abstract Affected by sun is a design for IAAC rooftop, which is a live-interactive installation using Kangaroo. The design of the pavilion was based on analysis of site, like views, visibility and also the sun path and radiations which were found using Ladybug plugin, in order to detect the places that need to get … Read more
FORCES OF NATURE The term “Lignum” refers to wood, emphasizing the material used in the pavilion’s construction. “Penumbra” refers to the partially shaded area around the edge of a shadow, which could suggest the way the pavilion’s design incorporates light and shadow. Pseudo Code Final Result ‘Lignum Penumbra’ is a project that celebrates the natural … Read more
Space within spaces Design brief and objective The objective of this exercise is to investigate and build a user-friendly interface that enables real-time manipulation of forces as design parameters, with the goal of using physics simulations as a form-finding tool to replicate real-life behaviors. The investigation will also focus on the development of the construction … Read more
The aim of the design was to create a space that evokes a sense of enclosure but is still open and lightweight. This led us to the concept of designing our pavilion from minimal surfaces inspired from geometries exhibited in nature such as plants, mushrooms and corals. The intention was to fabricate it using strip … Read more
