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.
Location: University in Groningen, Netherlands Designed by: UN Studio Original Facade Components Facade A deceptively simple envelope constructed from flat, vertical aluminum slats, which, in places, are twisted outwards in bowed forms. Tall, vertical undulations are generated, which present an open or a closed aspect depending on the angle under which they are viewed. This … Read more
Deconstruct The Pavilion The Serpentine pavilion by Franceis Kere consists of three architectural elements: Main Structure, Roof, and Envelope. Main Structure Analysis Taking inspiration from the great tree in Francis Kéré’s hometown of Gando under which members of the community meet to reflect on the day, Kéré’s design is based on creating this sense of … Read more
Introduction architects_Nudesarea_301 sqmyear_2015location_Mumbai, India The architectural component was designed to facilitate yoga, gastronomical experiences, and cultural event spaces for music, art, performances, intellectual discourse and fashion. These activities are stacked vertically over three levels, including an open to sky terrace courtyard. Remotely located from traffic snarls and insulated from typically high levels of air and … Read more
Computational design seminar 22-23 MAA RECREATION of the Serpentine pavilion by Diébédo Francis Kéré Deconstruction of the Pavilion Concept and Design Strategies The parametric design of the Pavilion implements the three main components roof, space truss, and enveloper respecting Kere’s original design intention. It represents a nature-based form, growing from the ground and developing into … Read more
