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:
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
The project began with the concept of transforming people’s movement and behavior within a space into both music and visuals. The image at the top showcases some poster designs for the final device, but initially, I envisioned the project on a larger scale — for example, the kind of immersive experience you might find in … Read more
Interactive Motion & Sound-Based Dynamic Lighting System CONCEPT SCHEMATCIS Flowchart Hardware Components: Arduino Integration: Functionality: Output: Circuit Diagram Final Prototype
Progressive illumination through Motion sensing CONCEPT Progressive illumination through motion sensing is an advanced lighting technology that incrementally increases light intensity in response to detected movement, optimizing energy efficiency and enhancing user experience in various environments. Progressive illumination and Motion sensing for _Interior Design Progressive illumination and Motion sensing for _Interactive Walls & Facades Bill … Read more
Genesis_001 explores the dynamics of sound in urban environments, focusing on noise pollution, distribution, its sources, and its impact on public and private spaces. The work integrates data visualization, mapping, and architectural concepts to analyze and reimagine soundscapes within an urban grid. Key elements include diagrams of sound sources (daytime, nighttime, and traffic), a superimposed … Read more
The Interactive LED Color Atlas maps movement in a space using a sound sensor to detect noise variations as a proxy for activity. Combined with temperature readings from a DHT11 sensor, the system translates environmental data into dynamic RGB lighting. The LEDs change brightness based on sound levels (indicating movement) and color based on temperature, … Read more
Introduction The Enhanced Adaptive Window Shading System is an intelligent solution designed to optimize indoor thermal comfort and energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting window shading in response to environmental conditions. Utilizing a light sensor (LDR) and a DHT11 temperature sensor, the system monitors sunlight intensity and ambient temperature. A servo motor adjusts the position of … Read more
Concept Chromo Sense is an interactive lighting system designed in park like spaces , where there is an interaction between humans and non-humans, in which there is efficient amount of lighting that doesn’t disturb the wildlife but also to respond to human presence. Motion sensors are incorporated into the project to activate lights as people approach … Read more
