PERSONA PARABOLOID
How can we map the confluence of humans and architecture? concept sketches design flow bill of materials arduino schematic code trial: distance / angles open position closed position
The Seminar provides students with an essential introduction to the world of open-source programming languages and physical computing, in order to create a synchronous and meaningful interaction between the physical and digital realms.
After gaining the necessary hardware and software knowledge, students are able to integrate interfaces, visualising methods, data sensing, and actuation, to conduct more advanced research and architectural proposals with embedded technology.
Syllabus
Multiple electronic devices are used every day but it is hardly known how they are really made, how they work or what is the technology standing behind. Electronic devices are intentionally designed to be a “black box” that cannot be opened or modified, they can be accessed only through the provided closed interfaces. However, thanks to open source hardware and software it is becoming possible to understand how technology works and also to build personalised devices and machines.
Credits: Happy Plants: Self-Regulating Watering System by Michael Groth
Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Seminar 2021/22
The Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Seminar provides an essential introduction to the world of open source programming languages and physical computing. In this seminar students simultaneously learn basic programming and physical computing concepts. This equips students with the necessary hardware / software for data sensing and actuations to conduct more advanced research and architectural proposals with embedded technology. The students are introduced to the Arduino IDE and microcontroller as a platform to create devices that interact with their environment using sensors and actuators.
Learning Objectives
At course completion the students will:
- learn the basic concepts of programming that allows them to reach more depth in various physical computing topics as well as to jump to different programming languages;
- be able to sense the environment and act back through actuators;
- to develop smart apparatus that react to external conditions.
Faculty
Faculty Assistants
Projects from this course
Kineflux
Imagine a building that breathes with the rhythm of day and night! During the sunny hours, our facade elegantly opens up, inviting warm rays of sunlight to fill the interior with natural light.As dusk falls, our facade gracefully transitions to a closed position, wrapping the structure in a protective embrace.This dynamic interplay between openness and … Read more
Smart Envelope
Concept The Smart Home and Facade Automation System aims to enhance home comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency by enabling remote control of both interior and facade lighting, as well as facade panel movements using Arduino hardware and software. This project focuses on developing a system where users can remotely switch interior and exterior lights on … Read more
SHADEX
Programming & Physical Computing Seminar DYNAMIC FACADE-SHADEX Inspiration How does it work? Bill of Materials The Loop The Code Animation
Expo 2020: Austria Pavilion, Dubai
Reproduce parametrically an Expo Pavilion Selected Pavilion: Austrian Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai – “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” Country: UEA Architecture: Querkraft Finished: 2021 Size: 1.600 m2 From the architects: “The austrian pavilion offers space to enter into dialogue with the essential questions for a common and better future. the pavilion poses one of … Read more
Optimum Illumination System
In the hustle and bustle of urban life, outdoor lighting has become an indispensable part of our daily landscape. However, the unintended consequences of excessive lighting, particularly at night, have taken a toll on the natural world. Migratory birds, nocturnal animals, and delicate insects such as fireflies have been adversely affected by the pervasive issue … Read more
Luminous Echoes Prototype
Movement, light and sound are the 3 essential elements that compose this project. Having in mind the importance and exponential potential of technology in art, “Luminous Echoes” explores the interplay between these elements as an interactive art installation. The installation consists of a darkened room, that when detected presence is lightened by a responsive pattern … Read more
The Movable Folding Roof
The Weather-Sensitive Adaptive Ceiling System is an intelligent installation designed to dynamically respond to weather conditions by opening or closing the ceiling. Using weather recognition technology and a motorized mechanism, this system enhances indoor-outdoor connectivity while ensuring comfort and protection in varying weather conditions. This project concept aims to create an adaptive and responsive environment … Read more
Kaleidoscopic Sculptures
Concept William Darrell describes his kinetic sculptures as “mechanically abstracted organisms,” animated forms that pulse, shimmy, and spin with lifelike motion. The London-based artist is inspired by the relationship between the organic and the mechanical along with the enticing, mesmerizing qualities of movement that can coax “fear or fascination” from the viewer. Kaleidoscopic Sculptures is … Read more
Sensible Roof
Concept The Dynamic Proximity-Controlled Ceiling System is an innovative installation designed to create adaptable spaces by adjusting ceiling height based on human presence and proximity. It utilizes motion-sensing technology and a motorized mechanism to raise or lower the ceiling in real-time, providing an interactive and responsive environment. This project concept presents an innovative solution that … Read more
Multifunctional slats
Multifunctional Slats (MS) is a proposed shading system that reacts to environmental factors through sensors and actuators. The system is imagined as a shading device that is able to protect from the heat incidence and rain of the sun during the day with the same element. The sun’s incidence angle varies during the day; we … Read more
Adaptive Blossom Canopy
The Adaptive Blossom Canopy stands as a smart roofing system, tailored to address the challenges of hosting outdoor events in regions characterized by scorching temperatures and erratic rainfall. Drawing inspiration from the grace of nature, its design showcases a structural framework crafted with kinetic roofing panels mirroring the petals of a four-leaf flower. Employing Arduino … Read more
UMBRELLA PROJECT
A urban hybrid between canopy and umbrella, that protects from the sun and collects rain water CONTEXT CONCEPT CODE STRATEGY DESIGN STRATEGIES BILL OF MATERIALS TINKER CAD SIMULATION PROTOTYPE VIDEO NEXT STEPS A next step would be to develop a more complex urban infrastructure composed of these modules that can cover a wide area of … Read more
INTERACTIVE LIMINALITIES
Interactive Liminalities is an attempt to activate the sensory perception of human interaction in Liminal Spaces, which are transitional spaces, lacking a sense of connect and dialogue due to their functional nature. The idea is to stimulate the space through sensual anomalies. When a user transitions, the detection enabled through ultrasonic sensors, initiate a connection … Read more
Sp-EYE
Concept With so many alleyways in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, it is hard to know what is lurking behind each corner. Sp-EYE, a detector made with Ultrasonic Distance Sensors allows you to peek around sharp corners alerting you to danger. The sensor works as an extension of your eyes to “see” around objects. . … Read more
StarWoman’s StarShield
StarWoman’s StarShield is a deployable and collapsible protective shield prototype imagined by the coolest up and coming superhero: StarWoman. StarShield can be worn as a wristwatch which detects proximity & smoke. As an enemy or criminal approaches, the shield expands inversely proportional to the proximity. Less Distance = More Shield Expansion. In the case an … Read more
Verdenlace – Kinetic shading structure
The idea is to used the design module which created in G2- Bio tech morphogenesis studio and make a adaptive shading structure using Programming & Physical Computing. Concept The Innovative algae panels integrated into structures enrich the surrounding air with oxygen through photosynthesis. Complementing this, kinetic shading devices dynamically adjust based on sunlight levels, efficiently … Read more
DOOR LOCK ACCESS- USING RFID SYSTEM
Introduction: In this project, we’ll explore how to build a secure door lock system using an Arduino, an RFID module, a servo motor, and an ultrasonic sensor. The system is designed to lock and unlock a door based on RFID card authentication while also detecting the presence of someone at the door using an ultrasonic … Read more
Desert Bloom
Desert Bloom, conceived as a forward-looking resource harvesting concept, addresses the escalating impact of climate change and extreme environmental conditions. This system harnesses solar power, collects rainwater, and, equipped with distance sensors, autonomously safeguards its resources. Inspired by nature, the design mimics a flower – opening its petals to capture sunlight and repositioning them during … Read more
MINE HAZARD DETECTION
MINE FUMES DETECTION & PIT DETECTION SYSTEM INTENTION To Improve the safety infrastructure within mining environments through the implementation of advanced sensors. Specifically, employ a smoke sensor for the early detection of hazardous fumes and an ultrasonic sensor to identify potential dangers such as pits and uneven terrain. Common dangers in mines: Gas and Fume … Read more
KidsCross
Concept KidsCross is a project invented in order to deal with a well known and severe problem around schools. Children are permitted to independently cross streets at the age of 9, and many of them walk to school without adult supervision. However, even though most schools are not situated on main roads, the path becomes … Read more
Juego de aire
Play of air CONCEPT ‘Juego de aireis’ The concept of this prototype is to optimize the temperature and quality of the air to a comfortable and safe state, The direction and speed of the fan’s rotation attached to a motor can make a significant impact on how it regulates the temperature and air quality of … Read more
Technology For Nature
The proposal Preventing the devastating impact of wildfires falls heavily on local authorities and agencies. To address this pressing issue, there’s an urgent requirement for Technological solutions. This presentation introduces a comprehensive system designed to monitor temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and air quality. It assesses the potential severity of a fire outbreak. In critical situations, … Read more
