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.
Syllabus
Credits: BLO QUE
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:
- Prepare to immerse yourself in the principles of programming and the exciting realm of physical computing. You’ll explore how technology shapes the interaction between the digital and physical worlds, discovering how sensors and actuators can bring life into architectural designs.
- Experience the power of coding and electronics to transform your ideas into interactive realities. From controlling simple components to developing complex systems.
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.
Learning Objectives
At course completion the students will:
- Master fundamental programming concepts that will serve as a springboard into deeper areas of physical computing and enable the transition to other programming languages.
- Develop the skills to design systems that sense their environment and respond dynamically using actuators.
- Build smart apparatus capable of reacting intelligently to external conditions, integrating technology into architectural projects to create responsive, interactive spaces.
- Learn to bridge the gap between digital data and physical action, opening the door to advanced architectural solutions where technology and design work in synergy.
Faculty
Faculty Assistants
Projects from this course
AAAA: MusicSampler
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
SensoryGlow
Interactive Motion & Sound-Based Dynamic Lighting System CONCEPT SCHEMATCIS Flowchart Hardware Components: Arduino Integration: Functionality: Output: Circuit Diagram Final Prototype
ILLUMINATI
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_Arduino_001
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
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
Responsive window shades
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
Chromo Sense
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
LumiSpace
Introduction Design and Inspiration Setup and Implementation Circuit Diagram Visual Renders
Ignis Bloom
Concept A public installation that combines lampposts with benches, creating a multifunctional space where people can rest during the day amidst lush greenery. The installation is powered by solar panels that track the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day, ensuring optimal energy capture. The design offers shelter from the elements, and at night, the … Read more
ADAPTIVE WINDOW BLINDERS
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING AND PHYSICAL COMPUTING CONCEPT This innovative prototype is designed to automatically adjust the angle of shading in response to changing ambient light conditions, enhancing both comfort and energy efficiency. The project is focused on enhancing energy efficiency, comfort, and usability in architectural spaces by effectively harnessing and optimizing natural light. This approach … Read more
Flux
Concept The project aims to design an innovative architectural installation that incorporates sensory architecture. By utilizing sound sensors to control the lighting on the facade, we will create an engaging and interactive experience for users. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal of the structure but also encourages a dynamic interaction between the installation … Read more
ClimaControl -Environment Monitoring and Response System.
Concept The ClimaControl system is designed to enhance thermal comfort by monitoring room temperature and providing real-time feedback and response. Utilizing an RGB LED indicator and a fan, the system visually signals the temperature range while activating cooling mechanisms when needed. This smart solution ensures an adaptive environment by catering to specific thermal needs, making … Read more
The Infinite Tunnel : Interactive Installation
“An interactive journey where light and motion respond to your presence, creating the illusion of infinite depth.” Concept The Infinite Tunnel is an interactive installation designed to immerse participants in a dynamic play of light and motion. At its core, the project uses a light sensor to adjust LED blinking speeds based on ambient daylight, creating a … Read more
Home Cactus
A smart apartment system that combines sensors and displays to enhance daily comfort. The project uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect presence, a DHT11 sensor to monitor temperature and humidity, and outputs data to an LCD screen and MAX7219 LED matrix. It automates feedback, such as displaying room conditions and humidity reminders, creating a responsive … Read more
The green cone_
Future landscape The Green Cone is an experimental environmental project designed to isolate a landscape area within a translucent cone, simulating a winter garden effect. The objective is to raise the internal temperature by 1.5°C, mimicking the predicted global temperature increase expected by 2050 due to climate change. By recreating these conditions, the Green Cone … Read more
Sur-Sec Panel System
This project implements an Arduino-based sunlight-responsive system that dynamically adjusts a solar panel’s angle using an LDR sensor and a servo motor. The system detects sunlight intensity and positions the panel to maximize exposure, using predefined thresholds for low, medium, high, and very high light levels. LEDs serve as visual indicators of the detected light … Read more
EcoPanel System
The prototype is for a proposed facade opening system is an intelligent, sensor-driven architectural solution designed to optimize indoor comfort and energy efficiency. Using real-time environmental data, this system automatically adjusts the position of an external panel to regulate natural light, temperature, and humidity. It operates autonomously through the integration of sensors and actuators, making … Read more
