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.
“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” Abraham Maslow
Computational design has come a long way since the early days of being simply the tool of the parametric style. Today it is at the core of innovation in architecture and design, occupying an important role in most of the leading architecture practices. Increasingly the tools that we now use to design have the potential to expand the range of our design options, allowing us to explore performance criterias unlimited by the increased complexity. The computational design paradigm is thus expanding the creation process, from a mere singular instance of a design far beyond the three dimensional space into a virtually limitless parametric realm of different versions of the design intent, forming what we call a design space..
In this new paradigm, the role of the computational designer is to effectively transform a carefully crafted design intent into a parametric strategy, establish selection criteria and navigate the entire space of options by confronting them with analytical and simulation tools. This allows the creation of designs that are fast to adapt, and can embed insights from vast amounts of context data.
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 form creation process, providing easy access to algorithmic thinking and a large ecosystem of plugins that provide easy access to a broad range of tools for advanced design. This course has the goal of teaching the fundamentals of Computational Design and algorithmic thinking through the interface of Grasshopper 3d. We go beyond teaching quick strategy for obtaining complex forms and will dive into deeply understanding the logic and principal methods with the intention of equipping you with the mental and digital tools for designing computational sequences that translate your design intent.
Level I – Mastering the basics
This course focuses on teaching the fundamentals of visual scripting through Grasshopper while exploring the critical concepts of computational design. From understanding different types of data, to the generation of geometry from data and to the management of multiple geometrical information algorithmically, students will become proficient in algorithmic thinking in order to navigate fluently in the complexity of geometrical data.
At course completion the student will:
The intent of this project is to design and optimize a greenhouse located in an area with a pressing need for sustainable agriculture and challenging climatic conditions. The building aims to enhance local food security, improve agricultural productivity, and provide a controlled environment for growing diverse plant species year-round. The optimization focuses on maximizing sunlight … Read more
Coral growth exhibits fascinating features, particularly in the way it forms patterns that effectively delineate occupied and unoccupied spaces. As the global population and urban areas continue to expand, leveraging these natural growth patterns can provide innovative solutions for urban planning. This project aims to optimize urban zoning by drawing inspiration from brain coral growth … Read more
This project aims to optimize the design of a multi-tower building by balancing the objectives of minimizing solar radiation exposure and maximizing facade area. Utilizing the computational design tools Ladybug, and Galapagos, it systematically explore various geometric configurations to achieve an energy-efficient and comfortable building design suited for a Mediterranean climate.
Fractals are commonly found within nature. They are self-similar structures, where one aspect of the fractile is identical to the rest. This allows it to be scaled up or down while fitting within itself. Within trees, fractalization is found in the way the branches are grown from each other, always yielding smaller and smaller versions … Read more
From the fibonacci natural behaviour to spiral buildings Last term I simulated the pattern of hurricanes in terms of the fibonacci sequence… …This term I want to find architectural examples that follow the have a spiral design pattern and study the parameters and performance criteria
Through a meticulous analysis of data extracted from the site and a comprehensive understanding of Barcelona’s climatic conditions, our visionary project sets its sights on the future, envisioning Barcelona in the year 2050 as a harmonious blend of urban living and natural serenity. At the heart of our exploration lies the theme of urban forestry, … Read more
The golden ratio is renowned for its aesthetically pleasing and harmonious proportion, found throughout nature. When observed within the context of a spiral, this ratio repeats itself, serving as an efficient way to distribute objects around a central element, maximizing the number of elements while maintaining equal spacing and minimizing wasted space. IDEA Designing a … Read more
Crystallization. What is it? Crystallization is a process in which a solid material forms from a liquid or gas phase, resulting in the arrangement of atoms or molecules in a highly ordered, three-dimensional structure known as a crystal lattice. This process is driven by changes in temperature, pressure, or the concentration of solute in a … Read more
Introduction to Chladni Plate and Patterns Pseudocode Surface Manipulation Displacement Mapping Loop to stimulate movement of an object over selected Vibration field curve Final Data and Parameters Future steps
This project as titled explores the golden ratio phenomena, specifically within sunflower seeds growth and how different variants are suboptimal for sunflowers. INTRODUCTION “The seed heads of sunflowers optimize the packing of seeds by growing florets in a spiraling pattern connected to the golden ratio and Fibonacci sequence”. Ask Nature. In nature, the growth patterns … Read more
Fluid dynamics is a branch of fluid mechanics that studies the motion and behavior of fluids, which include liquids and gases. It focuses on understanding how fluids respond to different forces, pressures, and environmental conditions. This field is fundamental to various scientific and engineering applications, ranging from the study of natural phenomena like atmospheric and … Read more
SMOKE is a simple exploration of a plume of smoke rising from a camp fire. The project explores thermal turbulence and swarm behavior, with forces from mixing air acting on the particles found in smoke, dispersing them into the air. Deconstructing Natural Behavior: Smoke – Swarm Behavior Smoke is comprised of a collection of tiny … Read more
Analyzing the behavior of slime mold in an environment where the natural organism has access to nutrients and competition from other species.
Simulating the hurricane movement following the Fibonacci Spiral Script – Exploration for 2D Animation Anemone Loop Animation Final Video with Animations
computational design Natural phenomenon How mushrooms can growth? Spore Germination: It starts with a mushroom spore, which is like a tiny seed. When conditions are right (usually with moisture, warmth, and a suitable substrate), the spore germinates. Mycelium Formation: From the germinated spore, tiny threads called hyphae emerge. These hyphae grow and branch out, forming … Read more
Natural Behavior Simulation | Computation Design Level 1 Final | MAA01 – Term II – 2023/24 | Professors: Oana Taut and Lora Fahmy A visit to Cosmo Caixa Science Museum in Barcelona introduced me to the ferrofluid substance and its reaction to magnetic forces. I took this video on my visit, and it inspired the … Read more
