The Seminar provides students with an essential introduction to the world of open-source programming languages and physical computing, in order to create a synchronous and meaningful interaction between the physical and digital realms. After gaining the necessary hardware and software knowledge, students are able to integrate interfaces, visualising methods, data sensing, and actuation, to conduct more advanced research and architectural proposals with embedded technology.
The Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Seminar will offer a foundational exploration of open-source programming languages and physical computing. Electronic devices have become a ubiquitous part of daily life, yet their inner workings and the technology behind them often remain a mystery. Many are designed as ‘black boxes,’ accessible only through limited, closed interfaces. However, with the rise of open-source hardware and software, it is now possible to break through these barriers and gain a deeper understanding of how technology functions. This newfound accessibility enables the creation of customised devices and machines, tailored to specific needs and contexts.
Throughout the seminar, students will simultaneously develop their skills in both programming and physical computing, equipping them with the essential tools to create systems that sense, respond to, and influence their environment. By working with the Arduino IDE and microcontrollers, students will learn to build interactive devices using sensors and actuators.
By integrating programming and physical computing into architectural design, students will open new possibilities for creating responsive, intelligent systems that enhance the built environment. These technologies enable architecture to become more than just static structures; they transform it into a dynamic, living entity that can adapt, interact, and evolve with its surroundings.
What Awaits You:
This seminar will be a fully hands-on lab where theory meets practice. You’ll design, prototype, and build devices that react to their surroundings. By the end, you’ll not only have the tools to decode the digital language of everyday devices but will also be equipped to apply this knowledge, creating intelligent systems into your architectural studio projects.
At course completion the students will:
Programmed Shading devices for humans 1 > References 2 / The integration of interactive architecture and responsive technology opens new frontiers in design, as exemplified by the Hylozoic Ground installation and its envisioned evolution into autonomous systems. Hylozoic Ground serves as a reference point, showcasing an immersive spatial installation that mimics nature’s behaviors. Through architectural … Read more
Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing The Smart Desk is an innovative workspace designed to enhance productivity and comfort through intelligent automation. Equipped with light level detectors, it monitors ambient lighting and adjusts room brightness to create an optimal work environment. Integrated motion sensors track the user’s proximity, activating a small propeller fan to provide … Read more
PHYSICAL COMPUTING & PROGRAMMING Ultrasonic Sensor with Alarm, LCD and Temperature CONCEPT This project gives me the info I need about the water level in a water tank. When the level is low, the green LED is ON. When the level is medium, the yellow LED is ON. When the level is HIGH the red … Read more
Keys have become obsolete. With the exponential growth of technology there has come a time for new alternatives. Some exist such as fobs, cards or keypads, but those still come with the same issue: the opportunity for them to be stolen or lost. So how about a solution that requires ownership of absolutely nothing, but … Read more
Problem: During the hot summer months, urban buildings face challenges with overheating, leading to excessive energy consumption for cooling systems like air conditioning. Additionally, dense urban areas lack sufficient green spaces, which could help mitigate the heat island effect and improve air quality. Solution: A motorized facade system, like the one proposed, addresses these challenges … Read more
A spectre is haunting the world of architecture—the spectre of the divide between imperial and metric measurement systems. Where is the architecture firm that hasn’t faced the wrath of these conflicting measurements? Where is the building design that hasn’t been critiqued for using the “wrong” system, whether by rivals, clients, or critics? Two things arise … Read more
Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Student – Saad Khan INTRODUCTION– ORIGINS AND THE USE OF SOUND IN ARCHITECTURE Cymatics is the study of how sound vibrations create visible patterns on a medium such as sand, water, or a solid surface. Coined by Swiss scientist Hans Jenny in the 1960s, cymatics builds on earlier discoveries … Read more
The Rain Catcher System Prototype is a smart, automated solution designed to simplify rainwater collection and monitoring. By leveraging advanced sensor technology, the system detects rainfall using a DHT11 humidity sensor and measures water levels with precision through integrated water level sensors. A servo motor intelligently manages the lid’s movement, ensuring optimal rain capture while … Read more
INTRODUCTION | Harnessing Kinetic Energy from the Ground for Sustainable Energy Production Every step applies a mechanical force to the ground. Kinetic floor tiles are designed to convert this force into electrical energy. The energy generated can be stored in batteries or capacitors or directly used to power nearby systems, such as lighting, displays, or … Read more
This project explores the fusion of technology and design through the creation of an interactive wall utilizing physical computing principles. Designed to engage users with dynamic visual and mechanical responses, the system is powered by an Arduino Uno microcontroller and integrates an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor to detect motion. When motion is detected within the sensor’s range, the system initiates a sequence … Read more
Light Tunnel is a light installation that offers individuals an immersive experience that varies as the day progresses. The goal of this space is to create a unique experience for each person that walks through it, while making use of the environment around it. The LEDs that make up the interior of this tunnel installation … Read more
Modern architecture is increasingly focused on enhancing user comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainability. “Adaptive Aura” is an innovative smart lighting system that combines motion and ambient light detection to create a dynamic and responsive lighting solution for architectural spaces. This project integrates physical computing to provide a prototype of a system that optimizes energy use … Read more
Design and implementation of a modern vertical plant wall with an integrated automated water dripping system for sustainable indoor greenery REFERANCE : Hydroponic Drip system This project involves designing a simple automated water drip system using an Arduino, a servo motor, and optional sensors. The servo motor controls the release of water by pinching or … Read more
The responsive facade panel system combines solar tracking and environmental monitoring for sustainable design. Using two LDR sensors, the system captures sunlight data to control panel movements, ensuring optimal alignment with the sun’s path for improved energy efficiency and lighting. Integrated planters feature soil moisture sensors that display a green or red light, indicating whether … Read more
What if a structure could adapt its shape in response to environmental inputs? inputs : light value . water value outputs : movement of the canopy/roof adopy [noun]: an adaptive architectural structure that dynamically responds to environmental conditions using sensor-driven inputs. The canopy system uses light and water sensors to adjust its shape for … Read more
Robotic mushroom picker The project focuses on developing an automated mushroom harvesting system that combines precise height sensors with an intelligent robotic arm. The sensors measure the mushrooms’ height in real-time and compare the data to a predefined optimal harvesting height. When a mushroom reaches the desired height, the system activates an LED light, signaling … Read more
“When light scenography meet architecture” .Manifesto. This pavilion is conceived as an immersive scenographic installation that merges architectural geometry, lighting design, and environmental interaction. At its core, the project explores the dynamic relationship between form, light, and water, transforming the structure into a performative space that engages visitors through a carefully choreographed visual experience. The … Read more
Concept Draw inspiration from the lighting effects in David Bowie’s live performances, mainly the stuttering, fragmented, and dynamic atmosphere they created. My design concept seeks to amplify this spatial experience, crafting a shattered, mosaic-like sense of space that immerses people in a unique and transformative environment. Prototype I created a mirrored wall installation composed of … Read more
Introduction to Programming andPhysical Computing An intelligent and adaptive facade system that dynamically responds to environmental light intensity and human proximity, creating an ever-changing architectural surface that enhances both functionality and aesthetics. The facade integrates kinetic elements that rotate based on two key parameters: Light Intensity: The system uses sensors to monitor sunlight or artificial … Read more
An interactive art installation that combines water and light to create an ephemeral experience. It consists of a maze with walls embedded with panels of LED lights that are activated upon contact with water. When water is applied to the surface the LEDs light up, allowing participants to “draw” or write with water. Depending on … Read more
Concept Cities today often face lighting issues: some facades are overly bright, while others are too dim. This creates discomfort for residents. Moreover, such lighting results in inefficient energy use and increases light pollution, negatively affecting the environment, public health, and the quality of urban life. An adaptive lighting system addresses these challenges by adjusting … Read more
A study held this year by the American Bird Conservancy showed that building collisions kill more than a billion birds a year only in the US. Therefore, to prevent this BirdShield serves as a responsive facade that opens and closes with servo motors based on the ultrasonic distance to flying birds. References Schematic Made with … Read more
