Canya Columna
PSEUDOCODE Base Geometry Karamba Sole Fitness Objective: MINIMIZE Deformation output in cm Analysed IterationsTotal Iteration Count: 1036 ITERATION
Introduction to Optimization and Design Decision-making
Computational Design III (Level 1) focuses on translating parametric design knowledge into structured and informed decision-making processes. Moving beyond purely generative approaches, the seminar introduces methods for evaluating, comparing, and selecting design alternatives through performance-driven workflows. Students engage with environmental simulation tools to assess microclimatic conditions and integrate data into iterative design development. Building on this, the course explores both single-objective and multi-objective optimization techniques to navigate complex solution spaces and visualize trade-offs. Through the application of multi-attribute decision-making methods, participants learn to rank and interpret design alternatives for developing clear and reproducible strategies for data-driven architectural design.
Syllabus
Credits: Structural Form Finding – Genetic Optimization by Francis Redman from Computational Design Seminar 2016/17
Building on the previous terms, this course will focus on translating acquired knowledge into structured and informed design decision-making processes. Moving beyond purely generative approaches, this course explores how computational methods can support the evaluation, comparison, and selection of design alternatives. Participants will explore processes that bridge conceptual ideation and analytical reasoning for a more rigorous and transparent approach to design.
Throughout the course, we will explore how performance evaluation informs design decisions. One aspect of this is environmental simulation, through the plugin Ladybug, which will allow students to assess key microclimatic factors to generate measurable inputs that guide iterative design development.
Building on this, this course introduces optimization methodologies as tools for navigating complex design problems. Students will engage with single-objective optimization to refine specific performance criteria, and multi-objective optimization to generate diverse sets of solutions that highlight trade-offs between competing objectives.
To support the interpretation of these solutions spaces, this course incorporates data analysis techniques. This includes multi-attribute decision-making techniques that allow students to evaluate and rank design alternatives based on multiple criteria and varied performance priorities. Students will learn how to develop, interpret, and adapt clear and transparent methodologies for design decision-making within complex and multi-dimensional architectural contexts.
In summary, Term 3 focuses on deepening the proficiency in computational design by reverse-engineering architectural precedents, applying advanced parametric strategies, and engaging in hands-on digital experimentation. The emphasis is on developing a comprehensive understanding of data-driven workflows, where environmental analysis, optimization algorithms, and decision-making techniques converge to transform digital logic into adaptable, high-performance architectural systems.
Learning Objectives
At course completion the student will:
- Develop performance-informed design workflows by constructing parametric models that integrate environmental simulation data and optimization strategies
- Implement optimization techniques for design exploration to generate, evaluate, and navigate complex design solution spaces
- Critically assess Pareto fronts, solutions distributions, and performance trade-offs to support informed design decision-making
- Evaluate and rank design alternatives based on multiple criteria and performance priorities using structured decision-making methodologies
- Develop clear and reproducible methodologies for explaining design choices within complex, multi-dimensional architectural contexts
Faculty
Projects from this course
L.O.O.P. Evolution
Project Selection L.O.O.P is a project developed in the Introductory Studio G1 with Carmelo Zappulla, Sebastian Amorelli and Amin Bigdeli.The project takes shape as a continuous green spiral that lifts both housing and public space off the sealed ground, freeing the courtyard and threading a biodiverse path vertically through the Eixample block. Computational Method Parametric … Read more
Sunburn
Sunburn is a computationally designed urban shading pavilion for Plaça Universitat in Barcelona. The project explores how lightweight canopy structures can improve comfort in public space while creating an inviting social environment. Using parametric column placement, Kangaroo surface generation, Ladybug solar analysis, and Galapagos optimization, the canopy geometry is tested across different sun-hour periods to … Read more
WillowMetric
WillowMetric investigates the design and optimisation of a woven willow façade using parametric modelling in Rhino and Grasshopper. Through iterative analysis of pattern density, material distribution, and façade performance, the weaving system was refined to balance structural efficiency, shading, transparency, and aesthetic quality. The project demonstrates how computational design tools can inform material placement and … Read more
Terrana
Modifying terrain slope to optimize drainage and building footprint. Can we optimize cut and fill for terrain modification to optimize water drainage and maximize building footprint? The “Sponge City+” toolkit is a Grasshopper-based platform that helps architects integrate low-impact development (LID) strategies into early-stage urban design. Tested on three Chinese university campuses, it combines runoff … Read more
Tetuán Responsive Lattice
This project explores a parametric pavilion designed for Plaça de Tetuan, where variations in canopy height generate different spatial and shading conditions. A lightweight steel framework supports tensile textile panels, creating a porous roof that filters sunlight while maintaining an open public space. Using environmental analysis and Wallacei optimization, multiple alternatives were evaluated to balance … Read more
Galapogos Mold Designer
We identified the main problems while producing the roof of our Digital Matter studio, where we are making a system of bendable cork panels with jute and caesin, for that we needed molds to bend the panel according to curvature, To optimise the mold and reduce waste we used galapogos to define the bounding box … Read more
The Ripple Network
The Ripple Network is a multi-detached project consisting of two investigations. The first, El Xarxaire Pabellón, is a form-found waffle shell pavilion for Plaza del Mar, Barceloneta an exposed heat-island space with a critical lack of shade. Wallacei multi-objective optimisation evolves the canopy form across three objectives: solar radiation, direct sun hours and open views. … Read more
ELEPHANT SKIN
For this assignment, we decided to use the biochar + clay panel project that we have been developing in the Digital Matter class, since it was already an advanced material system and we could take advantage of the tests, geometry, and resources developed throughout the course. From this, we wanted to analyze which geometry could … Read more
