Duration: 7 weeks, 1 unit/week (24 hours total)
Module Introduction
"Our mind is powerful, our hands are limited". Algorithmic design is not simply the use of computers to design architecture and objects. Algorithms allow designers to overcome the limitations of traditional CAD software and 3D modelers, reaching a level of complexity which is beyond the human manual ability.Module Focus
The new challenges of architecture are forcing designers to undergo a profound cultural renewal and deeper awareness in the use of computers as a tool for developing ideas and providing solutions. This unprecedented complexity reveals the inadequacy of traditional approaches and the potential of parametric tools.The module will introduce students to algorithmic modelling based on the Rhino-Grasshopper platform and will cover the main techniques of parametric modelling applied to architectural design. Through frontal lessons, examples and practice students will acquire the ability to generate complex geometries through an accurate control of mathematical and geometrical parameters. Initial lessons will cover topics such as mathematical sequences, data structures, conditional statements, NURBS curves and surfaces. Subsequently, advanced techniques will be introduced in order to create structural grids, attractors, patterns and recursive structures. The lessons will also focus on cutting edge techniques related to shape optimization, digital simulation a machine learning.
The Structure
Each lesson is characterized by a first theoretical part on the main tecniques of parametric modelling and a second part of tutorials and practical excercises.- 1. Algorithmic Thinking in Architectural Design
- 2. Grasshopper
- 3. Advanced Grasshopper
- 4. Grasshopper Plugins
- 5. Optimization Algorithms 1
- 6. Live Physics in Grasshopper
- 7. Optimization Algorithms 2
PD01- Algorithmic Thinking in Architectural Design (1 Unit - 4 Hours Lecture and Tutorial)
5 October 2022
Past, present and perspectives. Case histories. State of the art of computational tools.
Key words: algorithmic design, parametric design, generative design, interactive simulation, optimization, machine learning.
- The role of Rhino and Grasshopper in the architecture avantgarde.
- Introduction to Rhino and Grasshopper.
- From additive to associative logic.
- Algorithmic modeling with Grasshopper: user interface, components, connections, basic operations, plugins.
5 October 2022
Past, present and perspectives. Case histories. State of the art of computational tools.
Key words: algorithmic design, parametric design, generative design, interactive simulation, optimization, machine learning.
- The role of Rhino and Grasshopper in the architecture avantgarde.
- Introduction to Rhino and Grasshopper.
- From additive to associative logic.
- Algorithmic modeling with Grasshopper: user interface, components, connections, basic operations, plugins.
PD02 - Intro to Grasshopper (1 Unit - 4 Hours Lecture and Tutorial)
10 October 2022
Grasshopper:
- Lists of data
- Selection components
- Numerical sequences
- Conditional statements
- Vectors and geometric transformations
- Advanced control of NURBS curves and surfaces
- Introduction to meshes
- Parametric modeling of a complex building.
10 October 2022
Grasshopper:
- Lists of data
- Selection components
- Numerical sequences
- Conditional statements
- Vectors and geometric transformations
- Advanced control of NURBS curves and surfaces
- Introduction to meshes
- Parametric modeling of a complex building.
PD03 - Advanced Grasshopper (1 Unit - 3 Hours Lecture and Tutorial)
18 October 2022
Grasshopper:
- Advanced data-managing in Grasshopper (Data Tree)
- Remapping and attractor logics
- Single and multiple attractors applied to a building’s facade
- Image-based patterns
- Grids and tridimensional patterns
- Parametric facades.
18 October 2022
Grasshopper:
- Advanced data-managing in Grasshopper (Data Tree)
- Remapping and attractor logics
- Single and multiple attractors applied to a building’s facade
- Image-based patterns
- Grids and tridimensional patterns
- Parametric facades.
PD04 Grasshopper’s plugins (1 Unit - 3 Hours Lecture and Tutorial)
25 October 2022
- Elk : map and topographical surfaces using open source data)
- Ladybug : sun path, wind rose, psychrometric chart, radiation analysis, shadow studies, and view analysis).
25 October 2022
- Elk : map and topographical surfaces using open source data)
- Ladybug : sun path, wind rose, psychrometric chart, radiation analysis, shadow studies, and view analysis).
PD05 Optimization Algorithms 1 (1 Unit - 4 Hours Lecture and Tutorial)
7 November 2022
- Meshes
- NURBS to Mesh conversion
- Remeshing tool
- Introduction to genetic solvers: Galapagos
- Shape optimization using Ladybug and Galapagos.
7 November 2022
- Meshes
- NURBS to Mesh conversion
- Remeshing tool
- Introduction to genetic solvers: Galapagos
- Shape optimization using Ladybug and Galapagos.
PD06 Live Physics in Grasshopper (1 Unit - 3 Hours Lecture and Tutorial)
15 November 2022
- Introduction to Kangaroo
- Live physics engine for interactive simulation and form-finding
- Membranes and shells
- Creating freeform geometries through physics simulation.
15 November 2022
- Introduction to Kangaroo
- Live physics engine for interactive simulation and form-finding
- Membranes and shells
- Creating freeform geometries through physics simulation.
PD07 Optimization Algorithms 2 (1 Unit - 3 Hours Lecture and Tutorial)
21 November 2022
- Geometric optimization using Kangaroo (e.g.: panels planarization)
- Introduction to machine learning algorithms as a new approach for problem solving.
21 November 2022
- Geometric optimization using Kangaroo (e.g.: panels planarization)
- Introduction to machine learning algorithms as a new approach for problem solving.