Design Computing II - Architecture

Course guarantor:

Henri Hubertus Achten

Lecturer:

Tutor:

Henri Hubertus Achten

Supervisor:

Department of Architectural Modelling

Synopsis:

In this course contemporary architecture is studied through the lens of computational methods. It is shown how in the past 30 years the relationship between architecture, theory, materials, and computation has transformed. Principles of parametric design, performative design, and generative design are presented and discussed in-depth through cases of key buildings and architects. Special attention is devoted to interactive architecture. A number of contemporary key issues in architectural theory are brought in relation with computational approaches. Practical application in this course is tested through Arduino prototyping. Arduino enables the creation of interactive structures using sensors, controllers, and Processing programming language. By creating a number of interactive applications students will learn the basic technological principles of interactive architecture. Keywords - contemporary design methodology, advanced parametric design, rapid prototyping, AI, robotics, automation, simulation, analysis, optimization, CAD / CAM, data mining, advanced data processing.

Requirements:

The minimum number of students to open the course is 5. EXCEPTION for self-paying students: if there are less than 5 students, the course will be taught in consultations.

Syllabus of lectures:

Syllabus of tutorials:

Study Objective:

The exercises must lead to a solution offered by the challenge owner of the course. In the year 2023-2024, the challenge was formulated in the framework of Maker Technology: How can Maker Technology be used to solve contemporary problems in architecture? The stratégy to solve this follows the Apple (2010) Guide: (1) Big Idea, (2) Essential Question; (3) The Challenge; (4) Guiding Questions Guiding Activities Guiding Resources; (4) Solution: Implementation; (5) Evaluation/Assessment; (5) Publishing Solutions Publishing Reflections. For the application part, students were confronted with Maker Technologies: 3D printing, laser cutter, etc.

Study materials:

Website of the Course

Note:

Time-table for winter semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

Time-table for summer semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Architecture and Urbanism, in English (elective course)