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 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
UK Pavilion Artist: Wolfgang Buttress Architect: BDP Year: 2015 Location: Milan Expo Current Location: Kew Gardens, London The UK Pavilion at the Expo centers on bees as ecological indicators, highlighting the crisis facing honey bees due to factors like pesticides and habitat loss. Collaborating with bee expert Dr. Martin Bencsik, the Pavilion integrates technology to … Read more
Studio Libeskind / Milan Expo 2015 CONCEPT The 800-square meter pavilion on Lake Arena’s southeast edge features a sinuous design, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. A grey concrete staircase leads to a rooftop garden with stunning views. Symbolizing Chinese life, the pavilion represents growth and endurance, fostering unexpected interactions with the surrounding public space.It is … Read more
Reference Architect: querkraft architekten Location: expo 2020 Dubai Year: 2020 The outcome carves 38 intersecting Earth-based cones for the Austrian pavilion where duality exists. The exterior of the architecture mirrors wind towers with its conical mold and a circular opening on top while the interior comes through as a serene environment through the clay plaster … Read more
Architect: Yuko Nagayama and Associates The main theme of Dubai’s Expo in 2020, was “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” based on topics of sustainability, mobility and opportunity. The main facade of Japan’s Pavilion, is entitled to “Kumiko Facade” which is inspired by the similarities between the traditional arabesque and the “Asa no Ha” patterns of … Read more
A lightweight architecture completely 3D printed by a printer farm The Trabeculae Pavilion fuses advancements in 3D printing with bio-inspired computational design. The synergy of design, material and manufacturing technologies allowed the conceptualization of an innovative construction technique based on an additive process which builds architectural forms conceived with a load-responsive material organization. Concept The … Read more
EXPO2020-UNStudio Dutch Pavilion Competition entry proposal The Nexus – the central attraction of the pavilion – is an alternative, sustainable solution to living in this landscape. With a nod to traditional greenhouses, the Nexus is the evolved and locally adapted version of the greenhouse. It not only allows vegetables to grow locally, but collects the … Read more
(???? – means ‘Computing’), being centered around the theme of connection, the Japan Pavilion in Expo 2020 held in the United Arab Emirates, unfolds a geometrical 3D lattice inspired by the commonalities of traditional Japanese and Arabic patterns. Designed by Yuko Nagayama and Associates, the tridimensional façade combines Arabesque and Asanoha patterns while also referencing … Read more
Architect: Safdie Architects Location: Singapore Year: 2019 The Jewel Changi Airport, designed by Safdie Architects, features a mesmerizing glass and steel toroidal structure. Its parametrically designed glass facade, forming a biodome, integrates geometric precision with natural elements. The intricate curvature and tessellated pattern of the facade respond dynamically to environmental conditions, optimizing daylight and ventilation. This parametric design allows … Read more
The Serpentine Pavilion 2016 was designed by Bjarke Ingles Group, which was parametrically formed to represent an “unzipped” wall creating a long interior space within the units making up the wall. It was fabricated using extruded fiberglass frames assembled in a typical brick pattern to emphasize the concept of creating space within a wall. Using … Read more
Project Concept The concept of the project was to create a forest-like space by having a series of bamboos on a surface of water. Forests undergo dynamic transformations, characterized by subtle details, where elements such as verticality and depth play a vital role. Pavilion Parametric Principle Parametric algorithms were employed to generate irregular and dynamic … Read more
Expo 2020: Japan Pavilion, Dubai by Yuko Nagayama This project aims to study the structural design of the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, focusing on two key components: the facade and roof structures. The overarching design concept is centered around representing Eastern and Japanese cultural elements through the simplicity of triangle space truss and … Read more
