ARCT40930 Computational Design

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module serves as an introduction to advanced digital modelling, rendering and fabrication techniques in NURBS and parametric software through the use of RhinoCad and its parametric plugin Grasshopper. The aim of this module is to introduce students, through computational design techniques, to integrated design thinking and technical development, digitally exploring the possible relationships between form, structure, façade and fabrication.

The module takes a weekly lecture and studio format over 12 weeks which is split into two distinct segments: introductory skills and practical application. The introductory segment introduces the student to simplified digital design techniques used to describe the relationships between form, structure, façade and fabrication and an application of that technique in precedent. This is achieved through demonstration and then application by the student in studio following the lecture/demonstration. In practical application the students are given a precedent and asked to identify the appropriate techniques from the introductory segment and apply them to an integrated development of that precedent illustrating parametric relationships between some or all of the above.

On completion of the module, the student should understand the core concepts of computational design techniques and the parametric integration and design development of form, surface, surface development, structure, detail and fabrication detail and their corresponding technical and material assembly.

NURBS:
This segment of the module is designed to introduce students to the techniques involved in the creation of 3D models and renders in the NURBS (RhinoCad) environment and the integration of those modelling techniques with the 2D digital design environment.

Parametric:
The parametric element of the module then builds on the previous techniques explored in the NURBS environment by introducing scripting techniques in Grasshopper to develop 3D models. In this part of the module students will work through a series of digital experiments to understand the ability of parametric tools to explore:

1. A particular concern (form, structure, façade) which may not be possible with conventional modelling tools

2. The introduction of contingency into the digital design process

3. The potential for the integration of parametric modelling with fabrication processes

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module a student should be able to;

RHINO:

2D operations
1. Demonstrate an ability to use the appropriate line types to generate 2D drawings and the basis for generation of 3D Models.
2. Demonstrate and understanding of how to use 2D operation to edit 3D geometries and vice versa.

3D Operations
1. Demonstrate an ability to develop 3D models from 2D geometries.
2. Demonstrate an ability to edit and develop 3D geometries.

Rendering
1. Demonstrate an ability to apply rendering techniques to 3D Models.

GRASSHOPPER:

Script Construction:
1. Demonstrate in the construction of the script an understanding of importance of controlling the parametric hierarchy of a design project.
2. Understand the ability of transformation operations to introduce contingency into the design development process.

Script Development:
1. Demonstrate an ability to develop a fully integrated parametric model, where a change in an input can successfully alter all the other elements in the model.
2. Demonstrate the ability to explore a particular concern parametrically which may not be possible with conventional rendering techniques.

Script Integration:
1. Understand the integration and application of rendering techniques with the parametric model with a single system focus.
2. Demonstrate a successful parametric integration of form, surface, surface development, structure, detail and fabrication detail.

Indicative Module Content:

Week 1: Introduction to 2D Drawing
Week 2: Basic Parametric Techniques
Week 3: Landscape & Geometry
Week 4: Parametric Structure
Week 5: Maths & Form
Week 6: Surface Development & Fabrication (1)
Week 7: Surface Development & Fabrication (2)
Week 8-12: Final Project - Script Development

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Computer Aided Lab

36
Autonomous Student Learning

64
Total

112
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key teaching and learning approaches used in the module include;

Weeks 1-6 include lectures and demonstrations on key topics. This is followed by workshops with problem-based learning exercises and one-to-one tutoring. Case studies are used from weeks 3-7 as part of the demonstrations and problem-based learning exercises intended to develop familiarity and skill-level on the tools being introduced each week.

Weeks 7-12 focus on final project development. Each student identifies a branch of inquiry for further parametric development (e.g. Material, Structure, Façade, Form) for the final project. This is case-based learning intended to support the inquiry, involving the parametric development of the case study building with the techniques developed during the module. This is supported by one-to-one tutoring and student presentations on strategies and techniques employed for reflective learning. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

B. Sc. (Architecture) or equivalent


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Portfolio: Work undertaken throughout the module, including workshops and precedent model development will be assembled into a final hard copy portfolio plus digital submission of Rhino and Grasshopper files. Week 12 n/a Graded Yes

100

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Continuous feedback individually to students in-class on skill development and scripting for precedent case study prior to end of term portfolio submission and formal assessment. Some amount of informal self-assessment, to facilitate students to self-monitor and critically evaluate their own work, through in-class discussions around demonstrations and review of other students’ work when presented in-class.

ONLINE
Grasshoppper Primer 2018 – mode lab
http://grasshopperprimer.com/en/index.html?index.html

BOOKS
Wassim Jabi. (2013). Parametric design for architecture. Laurence King Publishing.
ISBN-10: 1780673140

Robert Woodbury. (2010). Elements of Parametric Design. Routledge.
ISBN-10: 0415779871

Abdullah Hardi. (2014). Parametric design procedures. LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing.
ISBN-10: 3659635286
Herzog and Demeuron. (2013). Natural History. Lars Müller Publishers.
ISBN-10: 3037780495

JOURNALS

DETAIL
Digital Details- 01.12.2007.
Digital Façade - 01.12.2007.
Analogue and Digital- 04.01.2010
Material Aesthetics- 02.01.2019
Structure 11.03.2019

EL CROQUIS
El Croquis. No.139. Sanna – Architectural Topography. (April 1, 2008).
ISBN-10: 8488386486
El Croquis. No. 138. RCR Architects – The attributes of Nature (Editorial). (2007).
ISBN: 9788488386472 8488386478
El Croquis. No. 162. RCR Arquitectes 2007-2012 Poetic Abstraction (English and Spanish Edition). (January 9, 2012)
ISBN-10: 8488386729
El Croquis No. 152-153. Herzog and Demeuron. (January 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 8488386621