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 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
A Pavilion for Plaza del Pi The “GumP-avilion” is an urban feature tailored for Plaza del Pi in Barcelona. Situated centrally, it graces the elevation near the “Cathedral of Santa Maria del Pi” and is strategically connected to significant landmarks like “La Rambla” and “Plaza de Sant Josep Oriol” in the heart of the Gothic … Read more
The Norway Pavilion at Shanghai World Expo 2010, a visionary creation by Helen & Hard, epitomises sustainable design with its “Norway Powered by Nature” theme. Comprising 15 adaptable “trees,” the pavilion seamlessly marries urbanity with nature, fostering social sustainability through Eco-friendly materials like wood and bamboo. Its low-energy concept integrates solar panels, water purification, and … Read more
The Pillars of Dreams Pavilion is a stunning architectural installation created by Marc Fornes, the founder of THEVERYMANY, a design studio known for its innovative and intricate structures. This pavilion is characterized by its unique form, consisting of a series of vibrant and curvilinear pillars that create a visually captivating experience for viewers. Constructed using … Read more
This project delves into the computational design of “The Forest Shelter” by Yoann Saehr and Studiolada, a pavilion distinguished by its use of repeating timber boards. Using Grasshopper, a tailored script was developed to emulate the pavilion’s logic, showcasing the potential for a sophisticated design arising from a simple construction process. Furthermore, this project highlights … Read more
The project aims to parametricize Frei Otto’s groundbreaking work from the Montreal World Exposition of 1967. The pavilion is represented through Grasshopper and Kangaroo, a physical modelling solver. The project also shows variants being made structurally and on boundary conditions.
Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion that has been designed for the 2020 Universal Exhibition held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was built in the last year of 2020 by the prestigious Grimshaw Architects studio. The pavilion aims to explore, through ingenuity, new architectural possibilities that lead us towards a more sustainable life. The construction is inspired … Read more
Catenary Arc Connection Pavilion Research GERMAN PAVILION – EXPO 1967World Exposition Year:1967 Architects:Frei Otto and Rolf Gutbrod Site: Universal Exposition, Quebec Montreal. Renowned German architect Frei Otto, known for his emphasis on lightweight structures and organic forms, utilized the principle of the catenary in many of his designs, including the German Pavilion for the 1967 … Read more
LOCATION:Shanghai,DATE:2010 The Spanish Pavilion for the 2010 World Expo of Shanghai sought to reflect upon the Spanish climate, as well as to recover the extraordinary craft of wickerwork in order to bring it back to life and to reinvent it as a new construction technique. This building sought to play with the incredible potential of … Read more
The Philips Pavilion was a groundbreaking synthesis of architecture, visual media, and music, showcasing Philips’ diverse technologies, from sound production to X-ray lighting. Unlike traditional product displays, the pavilion itself became an exhibition, highlighting all that Philips had to offer. Architect Le Corbusier -Iannis Xenakis Structural Engineer Hoyte Duyster Developer Philips Built in 1958 Location … Read more
Architect: Studio Archea Location: expo 2010 shanghai Year: 2010 The pavilion is, as requested by the Expo, a simple rectangular box measuring 78 by 28 metres, with a completely free interior forming a neutral space, without any intermediate pillars, capable of hosting the installations of the cities participating in the event, which have later been … Read more
Burning Man, 2018 (Nevada – USA) Temple Galaxia was a pavillion made especially to be part of the Burning Man Festival, an arts, music and culture festival, that happens at the Nevada’s desert, in the United States. The wood structure was intended to be the main gathering space of the festival, where people could go … Read more
United Kingdom Pavilion, Dubai by Es Devlin The UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, serves as a platform for contemplating the message humanity would convey to advanced civilizations in space as it is themed “Innovating for a Shared Future”. Designed by Es Devlin OBE, the architectural centerpiece is a 20-meter-high cone-shaped structure made up of … Read more
