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:
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
The Pavilion- inspired by 2 major natural elements the tree and its organic branches as well as the leaf – was intended to serve a space of reflection on major issues concerning sustainable development. Its physical structure draws inspiration from a tree’s organic nature (both on a macro and micro scale). Pseudo Code Code Result
The Serpentine Pavilion is designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). It was an ‘unzipped wall’ that was transformed from straight line to three-dimensional space, creating a dramatic structure that by day housed a café and free family activities and by night became a space for the Serpentine’s acclaimed Park Nights programme of performative works by … Read more
Oman Pavilion, nestled in the mobility district, commenced its construction journey in October 2019.. THE CONCEPT Cradled within the Mobility District, the Oman Pavilion embarked on its construction voyage in October 2019. Embracing the theme ‘Generations of Opportunity,’ the Pavilion encapsulates the narrative of Luban, Oman’s revered treasure, tracing its life cycle through compelling storytelling.” … Read more
UAE PAVILION FOR EXPO 2020, DUBAIArchitect : Santiago Calatrava Year : 2016 – 2021 The Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava has presented the design of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai, UAE. The 15,000-square-meter pavilion stands as a “symbolic interpretation of the flow of movement,” designed with carefully selected lines and spaces … Read more
Computational Design 1 The “BookWorm” pavilion aims to foster a sense of learning through the creation of an interactive learning space. Most library and institutional structures are often intimidating for children. The aim was to create a landscape of books that invite children to explore and learn simultaneously. We wanted children to engage in “reading” … Read more
The Huanglong Waterfront Bamboo Pavilion utilizes modern parametric design to start a new study of traditional building materials and traditional building techniques. Modern design and construction of low-carbon raw bamboo materials and combines the craftsmanship with the aesthetic feeling of traditional bamboo weaving in rural areas. As the result, villagers can have familiar feelings to … Read more
REFERENCE The UK PavilionHeatherwick Studio Shanghai Expo, 2010 The UK Pavilion, also known as the Seed Cathedral was created for the Shanghai world expo in 2010. The pavilion seeks to provide a public space while being a direct manifesto of its design. The Seed Cathedral is 20 meters in height and is comprised of 60,000 … Read more
UK PAVILION AT SHANGHAI EXPO-2010 INTRODUCTION The UK pavilion at Expo 2010, colloquially known as the Seed Cathedral, was a sculpture structure built by a nine-member conglomeration of British business and government resources directed by designer Thomas Heatherwick. It referenced the race to save seeds from round the world in banks, and housed 250,000 plant … Read more
Bamboo Pavilion, located in the Fengyuan district Huludun Park, Taiwan. The pavilion was designed by Zuo Studio. The perception of the user resembles walking through the bamboo forest, which enhancing the human experience. From the parametric perspective this pavilion is made up of multiple pointed and catenary arches. Furthermore the base of the structure is … Read more
The Barefoot School of Arts and Craft is a collaborative Pavilion design, put forth by Sudarshan Shetty and Nuru Karim. The concept stands as a homage to Goa’s cultural significance and coastal beauty. MATERIALITY This pavilion space rests at an intersection between art and architecture, utilizing locally sourced materials; earthen tiles, recyclable metal & wood, … Read more
