Introduction to Advanced Algorithmic Design (AAD)
Syllabus
In computer science, algorithms are habitually defined as fixed and open finite procedures of step-by-step instructions understood to produce something other than themselves. Structures of logics interfacing with Data, sourced from any computable phenomena. In this course, we will focus 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.
In this course seminar we will focus on understanding logics and computational design workflows that can lead to advanced algorithmic thinking. This course aims to solidify the ground of the basics of grasshopper while amplifying already existing concepts into more advanced notions that can be put into practice.
Main tools of the course will be McNeel’s Rhinoceros v8 and Grasshopper3d. As a complementary tool for Rhino we’ll focus on the associative design platform of Grasshopper3d, a graphical algorithm editor rightly integrated with Rhino’s 3D modelling tools. Moreover, during the course we will adopt various plugins implementing Grasshopper’s features and its capabilities, in order to achieve full control of complex design strategies.
Faculty
Projects from this course
The Interstice_
For the class Advanced Digital Tools we designed a partition wall for the shared rooms at the Valldaura Campus. –THE INTERSTICE– A purposeful wall where the curve effortlessly transitions between its dual roles as a bench on one side and a shelf on the other balancing division and connection. REFERENCES We took inspiration from parametric … Read more
Computational Design Seminar: Cellular Partition Wall
Reuben Diamond & Pragyna Thondapu Our Goal: To create a parametric partition wall shelving system for a bedroom within the Valldaura Labs student quarters, inspired by nature. Partition Wall Concept: Cellular CascadeWe designed a partition wall inspired by nature, achieving an organic form and a natural aesthetic while ensuring structural integrity. The wall stands independently … Read more
Computational Design Seminar: Truchet wall
Truchet tiles are a type of square tile with a pattern on each of its four sides. What makes them dynamic is that they can be arranged in a grid-like pattern, and each tile’s orientation can be rotated independently. This results in a constantly changing pattern, as the tiles can be rearranged and rotated to … Read more
Computational Design Seminar
As the final assignment for the discipline of Advanced Digital Tools, we were asked to create a dynamic partition wall in one of our dormitoriesusing computational design principles. The chosen one was room nº 8 of Valldaura Labs, with an area of 9.48m². To allow free movement for both dwellers, the wall was designed to … Read more
Translucent Snoring
The Assignment to build a parametric partition wall suites the needs for more privacy in our shared rooms in Valldaura. The problem that we wanted to solve was to create a partition wall that provides privacy and acts as a sound diffuser while letting daylight from the window passing through. Approach We came up with … Read more
Computational Design Seminar : Parametric Partition Wall
Location Valldaura Labs, Dorms Inspiration Parametric wall designed by Denis Homyakov Design Concept The concept was to design a screen that could double as a shelf while also offering privacy. Additionally, we aimed to create a unique design on each side, given its function as a partition wall. Pseudo Code Grasshopper Script Script to Surface … Read more
Computational Design Seminar
Dynamic Partition Wall Inspiration Design Process – Iterations In terms of design, we aimed to design curvature, not just along the vertical faces of the panels, but along the horizontal planes as well to add more dimension to the structure. Our goal was to create curvature in both dimensions for a more dynamic structure, which … Read more
