Introduction to computational architecture
AR-327 / 3 credits
Teacher: Settimi Andrea
Language: English
Withdrawal: It is not allowed to withdraw from this subject after the registration deadline.
Summary
This course introduces the students to text programming practice in 3D modeling (Rhinoceros3D). The main objective of the course is to develop a computational mindset to maximize the use of efficient digital tools in architectural design.
Content
This course is composed of 4 modules:
- 3D modeling (CAD) where the fundamentals of geometry are reviewed and advanced techniques of 3D modeling are covered (1 week).
- Introduction to Python (IDE, variables, functions, etc) and object-oriented programming (OOP) where the basics of programming are studied (3 weeks).
- Basics of Computational modeling where students will be introduced to and use RhinoCommon (API, documentation, general data structure, main library objects and usage) to produce basic geometric elements and operations through scripting (3 weeks).
- Intermediate Computational modeling where students will be introduced to more complex RhinoCommon's functionalities (advanced manipulations and geometries, custom classes) to produce advanced geometric elements and operations through scripting (3 weeks).
This configuration in 4 modules allows to gradually increase the level of complexity and to initiate architecture students to computational thinking.
Keywords
Computational-thinking, architecture, coding, 3D-modeling, architecture-programming
Learning Prerequisites
Recommended courses
- AR-114 : Modélisation numérique
- AR-219 : Introduction aux outils CAO en architecture
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Identify the different modeling techniques
- Classify these techniques by their degree of efficiency
- Develop • Code and debug simple to medium advanced Python code
- Develop • Creatively use RhinoCommon’s API and programming to solve complex design tasks.
- Propose an appropriate method to build a script and implement it.
Transversal skills
- Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
- Plan and carry out activities in a way which makes optimal use of available time and other resources.
- Use both general and domain specific IT resources and tools
- Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
Teaching methods
- Lectures (1/3 to 1/2 of each session)
- In-class tutorials (1/2 to 2/3 of each session)
Expected student activities
- Participation during the course
- Pro-active attitude for class exercises
- Independent realization of exercises after each week
Assessment methods
An evaluation is done at the end of each 2,3 weeks with an exercise to be handed in for the following week on the theme studied. Each test has the same coefficient in order to obtain a continuous control throughout the course.
Supervision
| Office hours | No |
| Assistants | Yes |
| Forum | Yes |
Resources
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
Yes
Bibliography
- Aiello, Carlo. eVolo 6: Digital and Parametric Architecture. Los Angeles, eVolo, 2014.
- Helmut Pottmann, Andreas Asperl, Michael Hofer, Axel Kilian. Architectural Geometry. Bentley Institute Press, 2007
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Spring
- Number of places: 30
- Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
- Subject examined: Introduction to computational architecture
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
- Semester: Spring
- Number of places: 30
- Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
- Subject examined: Introduction to computational architecture
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
Reference week
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | |
| 8-9 | |||||
| 9-10 | |||||
| 10-11 | |||||
| 11-12 | |||||
| 12-13 | |||||
| 13-14 | |||||
| 14-15 | |||||
| 15-16 | |||||
| 16-17 | |||||
| 17-18 | |||||
| 18-19 | |||||
| 19-20 | |||||
| 20-21 | |||||
| 21-22 |
Légendes:
Lecture
Exercise, TP
Project, other