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.
Term II – Geometry and Physics
The second term of the course builds on the fundamental concepts of data management and incremental data manipulations by introducing knowledge of geometry representation and its characteristic methods for transformation. This course will be focused on algorithmic modelling of behaviour, exploring force fields, physics simulation, agent based systems, as well as an array of methods for analysis and quantification of complex characteristics.
At course completion the student will:
slime molds a.ka. physarum Slime molds display a unique growth form characterized by efficient “hunting” behaviour and remarkable problem-solving abilities. These organisms form intricate structures for spore production, showcasing adaptive behaviours without a centralized nervous system. Their ability to solve complex problems and optimize growth patterns in order to find nutrient sources has sparked scientific … Read more
Crystallization is a process responsible for the formation of solid structures, wherein constituent atoms or molecules are systematically arranged into a highly organized lattice, constituting a crystal. This phenomenon can occur through various mechanisms, including precipitation from a supersaturated solution, solidification from a liquid state, and, less commonly, direct sublimation from a gaseous phase. The characteristics … Read more
A phenomenon in which self-propelled individuals, using only limited environmental information and simple rules, organize into an ordered motion. This ordering even occurs at two dimensions where ordering is not possible equilibrium systems. Boid Movement Different Behaviors Alignment Behavior Alignment ensures that individual agents within a flock move in a consistent direction, fostering cohesive group … Read more
Fractal growth refers to the development or expansion of structures or patterns in a way that exhibits self-similarity at various scales. Fractals are often characterized by intricate and complex shapes that can be created through iterative processes for efficiency and structurability. Fractal patterns assist us with research into climate change, trajectory of meteoroids, cancer research … Read more
The wings of a butterfly are membranous with veins running longitudinally from the base (where the wings are attached to the thorax) to the outer margins of the wings. The pattern and arrangement of these veins (wing venation) is an important diagnostic tool in the identification of butterflies. It is therefore important to understand the … Read more
The project aims to simlulate & understand the behaviour behind the Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis. It is an attempt to explore magnetic fields within a domain of charges, strength & decay. The project develops further into simulating the phenomena via means of particle behavior in the Earth’s Atmosphere, dissipating a gradient of colors as … Read more
Fractals are commonly found within nature. They are self-similar structures, where one aspect of the fractal 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
L-SYSTEMS IN ARBOREAL FRACTALS FRACTAL GROWTH This project explores the application of Lindenmayer systems (L-systems) for fractal growth simulation within the Grasshopper environment. L-systems provide a powerful framework for modeling complex branching structures observed in nature, such as trees, plants, and coral reefs. Leveraging Grasshopper’s computational design capabilities, we investigate the dynamic generation of fractal … Read more
The Spider Web Spinning Project seeks to digitally replicate the intricate process of spider web construction. By delving deep into the anatomy, behavior, and environmental conditions influencing web formation, this project aims to unravel the secrets behind nature’s engineering marvel. Spider web formation, known as “web spinning,” is a remarkable feat of engineering mastered by … Read more
Abstract Computational Approach to Understanding Growth of Mycelium INTRODUCTION LIFE PROCESS UNDERSTANDING GROWTH UNDERSTANDING PARAMETERS OF INFLUENCE DECONSTRUCTING THE PHENOMENON SINGLE BRANCHING SYSTEM – APPROACH 01 PERFORMANCE SINGLE BRANCHING SYSTEM _SHORTEST WALK Within an environment mimicking soil conditions, the organism’s spore point discerns optimal targets such as moisture, nutrients, light, and temperature. Through this sensory … Read more
Reproduce parametrically Nature’s Behaviors Introduction This project delves into the parametric design of tensile structures, inspired by nature’s efficiency and adaptability. Through Grasshopper, we investigate factors like load, scale, segment count, multiplication, perforations, and vertical member adjustability to optimize tensile structures’ performance. We simulate structures under various loads and considering gravity. By fine-tuning parameters, such … Read more
What is the Golden Ratio? The Golden Ratio is a relationship between two numbers that are next to each other in the Fibonacci sequence. When you divide the larger one by the smaller one, the answer is something close to Phi. The further you go along the Fibonacci Sequence, the closer the answers get to … Read more
circulatory system Chemical Equation Flow & Diffusion(Peclet number formula) Flow Simulation Coral Section Diffusion Simulation Growth Monitor wave Simulation Influence of Waves others Influence factors(Next step) The survival of corals is currently influenced and challenged by various factors, leading to the gradual disappearance of this ancient ecosystem. In order to simulate both favorable and adverse … Read more
The term “fractal” was coined by the mathematician Benoît Mandelbrot in 1975. Mandelbrot based it on the Latin fr?ctus, meaning “broken” or “fractured”, and used it to extend the concept of theoretical fractional dimensions to geometric patterns in nature In mathematics, a fractal is a geometric shape containing detailed structure at arbitrarily small scales, usually … Read more
This project explores the differential growth under the reaction diffusion phenomena. Moving from the microscopic behavior of magnetic fluids to the macroscopic phenomenon of differential growth, revealing the interconnectedness of physical processes and biological phenomena. Beginning with an exploration of the properties and behaviors of magnetic fluids, and establishing an understanding of their unique dynamics. … Read more
This project is about the intricacies and process induced intelligence int the natural phenomenon of crystallization. Namely on the molecular level. This project explores the nature and structure of crystal lattices and how the number of bonds and the allowance of joining planes influences the overall molecular structure. Iterative Bonding- X OR Y Plane – … Read more
Pluripotent (‘capable of multiple tasks‘) stem cells are cells that can divide indefinitely. These cell layers are the fundamental tissues that give rise to all the different types of cells and tissues found in the adult organism. Given this property, stem cells are potentially able to recreate any tissue or organ found in the body. … Read more
This project aims to investigate the pattern and growth behavior of brain coral, showcasing its fascinating interaction with the environment through its unique patterns and colors. The study utilizes scripting in Grasshopper to optimize and replicate the coral’s behavior, mirroring its life influences. Starting with the brain coral life cycle, its differential growth algorithm could … Read more
P r o j e c t A b s t r a c t : This project investigates the formation and growth of ice crystals, snowflakes. Initially, the theoretical background was explored to understand the properties, characteristics, and reasons behind snowflake formation. Using this knowledge, visual and computational designs were developed to illustrate a … Read more
