Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Computational Design

Computational Design
9
7979
1
Second semester
FB
Propedeutic Introductory Module
Informática
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish

Teaching staff


Dr. NAVARRO MATEU, Diego - navarro@uic.es

The different professors will arrange appointments for tutorials via email. The possibility of resolving the consultation remotely will be considered in order to streamline the process.

Introduction

Computing is a science that has been incorporated into many areas of knowledge, and architecture is not an exception. In the early 90s drawing assisted by computers started to be implemented in architecture studios. Nowadays, there is plenty of software that can be applied for architecture purposes: technical drawing, virtual reality, files sent to numeric control machines, or programming applied to an object. During the subject the student will deepen in this “digital universe”, discovering essential tools for the contemporary architect through practical exercises. 

Parallel to this digital process, a simultaneous approximation will be given involving geometry and architecture. These will ensure the comprehension of much needed values such as space perception, geometric relations and document reading; which will progressively increase in complexity throughout the contents.

Pre-course requirements

Minimum knowledge of the Windows operating system and basic principles of geometry are required. While not mandatory, it is recommended to have acquired the foundations of geometry and technical drawing associated with the subject of Architectural Drawing.

Objectives

  1. Covering the digital needs of graphic expression associated with different architectural specialties. 
  2. Training students in terms of knowledge, skill, and judgment to choose the appropriate tool. 
  3. Transmitting the inherent implications in the use of such digital tools. 
  4. Deepening the understanding of geometry and its digital construction. 
  5. Providing a foundation from which to develop the rest of the subjects in the architecture career.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • 03 - To acquire adequate knowledge of spatial representation systems applied to architecture and urbanism .
  • 04 - To acquire knowledge and apply it to the analysis and theory of form and the laws of visual perception in architecture and urbainism.
  • 05 - To acquire adequate knowlege of metric and projective geometry applied to architecture and urbanism.
  • 06 - To acquire adequate knowledge of graphic surveying techniques in all stages, from sketching to scientific restitution.
  • 10 - To acquire adequate knowledge and apply it to the fundamentals of topography, hypsometry, mapping and terrain modification techniques in architecture and urbanism
  • 1-T - Ability to apply graphic procedures to the representation of spaces and objects.
  • 2-T - Ability to conceive and represent the visual attributes of objects and master the proportions and techniques of drawing, including digital forms

Learning outcomes of the subject

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Create, edit, and represent architectural projects in digital formats.
  • Apply computational knowledge to architectural design.
  • Develop criteria regarding tools and their implications in the professional context.
  • Successfully migrate and adapt to other tools outside the subject.
  • Apply geometric concepts to the construction of architectural forms.
  • Successfully face future technological challenges in their work environment.

Syllabus

TEMA 1: 2D Drawing and Printing

  • Introduction, Interface, Navigation, and Coordinates
  • Grammar, Osnaps, Layers, Modifiers, Cartesian Plane, and Vectors
  • Printing: Safety Precautions, Graphics, and Printing Considerations

TEMA 2: 3rd Dimension

  • Dimensions, Extrusions, and Elements
  • Solids, Boole, Venn, and S.Tools
  • Blocks, Arrays, and Tessellations
  • Staircases, Custom CPlanes, and Digital Management
  • Arch Viz, Renders, and Display Modes
  • Types of Surfaces and Curvature
  • Ruled Surfaces and Revolutions
  • Control Points, Isocurves, and Surface Topologies

TEMA 3: Continuity and Interrelations

  • Drawing Complexity, Blob Architecture, and NetworkSRF
  • Continuity and Control Points 2
  • Topologies Match and Blend – Toyo Ito and Frank Gehry
  • Deformation and Free Modeling – Antoni Gaudí
  • Deformation 2, Control Points 3
TEMA 4: Beyond 3D modeling
  • Arch Viz 2: Real-Time Rendering and Mixed Reality
  • Mesh and SUBD: Free and Polygonal Modeling
  • Parametric/Algorithmic Modeling: Grasshopper
  • Fabrication: Export, FAB, and Meshes

TEMA 5: Building Information Modelling

  • BIM Ecosystems and Integration
  • Elements and Styles
  • Generation of Documentation and Graphics
  • Professional Documentation and Extended Application

Teaching and learning activities

In person



The course is divided into theory and practice. Theory classes include software demos and geometric concepts related to architecture projects. The practical classes will include different activities in proportion of the subject’s competences and credits. The entire course will be given through computer support, being Rhinoceros the main software used during the course.

Simultaneously, other software will be used for layout design, rendering, advanced modeling and photomontage. These will help students to acquire a global understanding about generation and representation of architecture through computing. Other basic principles will be introduced regarding render-engines, BIM, plug-ins for Rhino, and CAM capabilities.

It is strongly recommended to work under the Windows OS since some of the software used won’t work inside OSX (Apple). Mac users should find alternatives through Bootcamp, Parallels, VMWare or Virtualbox.

 

1.1 - 3D Modeling (I, II and III) Class exercises

During the course students will practice analysis capacity, space organization, and three dimensional shapes forming through the mastering of the modeling digital tool Rhinoceros3D (2D modeling will be introduced during the first classes). Theory/demo classes will be followed by practical classes where example-exercises will be developed. This exercise will be submitted at the end of every class through the intranet.

Main Exercises

Three main exercises structure the geometrical topics of the course (ME1-3). These will be developed during weeks, combining work at home and corrections in class.

  1. Basic geometries, basic tools and space navigation.

  2. Complex surfaces (single or compound curvature).

  3. Organic Modeling (interpretation and self-approximation).

 

All exercises must be submitted in *.3dm format (native Rhinoceros format), and will be delivered through moodle (intranet) by the given deadline. Submissions close at 24:00. No exercises will be accepted through e-mail or pen-drive.

Exam

The exam will consist in modeling an existing architectural project. Documentation will be presented as previous exercises from the course. The exam will last three hours (passing the exam is mandatory to access average with other submissions of the subject).

1.2 - 2D representation and BIM

Once basic 3d modeling skills have been acquired, BIM (Building Information Modeling) software will be introduced to improve 2D documents production. Software like VisualArq (a plug-in for Rhino) will allow the student to extract 2D information from 3D models in a parametric way. Key concepts like layouts, graphic scales, dimensioning, and line values will also be addressed from the digital point of view.

Exercise

A single dossier (DIN-A3) will be submitted on paper the day of the exam with all the 2D content developed. Detailed documentation from a project to be announced (plans, sections, elevations, details, and perspectives).

1.3 - Infographic & other software (Beyond 3D)

Depending on every year's context and teachers' criteria, new software may be introduced during the last days of the course: Rendering, Parametric Modeling, Digital Fabrication, Mixed Reality, etc. Nonetheless, it is recommended to check software like Adobe’s suite (Photoshop, Illustrator or Indesign) for basic layout design concepts, photo retouching and post-production in renders.

 
TRAINING ACTIVITYCOMPETENCESECTS CREDITS
Class exhibition
03 04 05 06 10 1-T 2-T 1
Class participation
03 04 05 06 10 1-T 2-T 1,5
Clase practice
03 04 05 06 10 1-T 2-T 1
Tutorials
03 04 05 06 10 1-T 2-T 1
Individual or group study
03 04 05 06 10 1-T 2-T 4,5

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



1st Call:

  • Grading: BIM and 2D drawing (dossier) 35%, 3D main modeling exercises 40% (13.33% each), 3D modeling exam 15%, attitude (attendance, participation) 10%.
  • Dossier and exam must be passed separately in order to pass the subject. 

2nd Call:

  • Teachers may exempt the student from the requirement to repeat the exam or the dossier *.
  • Grading: BIM and 2D drawing (dossier) 40%, 3D modeling exam 60%.
  • All parts (dossier and exam) must be passed separately in order to pass the subject.
  • 2nd call exams may have increased difficulty in order to make a proper evaluation in the absence of practical exercises during the course.

Bibliography and resources

  • Cook, Peter. Drawing. The Motive Force of Architecture. Wiley & Sons, 2014.
  • Burry, Mark, Jordi Coll Grifoll, and Josep Gómez. Sagrada Familia S. XXI: Gaudí Ara/ahora/now. Barcelona: Edicions UPC, 2008.
  • Candela, Félix, Cueto Ruiz Funes, Juan Ignacio del, and Angustias Freijo. Félix Candela, 1910-2010. Madrid: Sociedad Estatal de Conmemoraciones Culturales, 2010.
  • Pozo, Jose Manuel, Geometría métrica y descriptiva para arquitectos. UNAV, Pamplona, 2010.
  • Gaudí, Antoni, and Alberto T. Estévez. Gaudí. Madrid: Susaeta, 2003.
  • Abbott, Edwin Abbott. Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1963 (1884).
  • Parker, Matt. Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension: A Mathematician's Journey through Narcissistic Numbers, Optimal Dating Algorithms, at Least Two Kinds of Infinity, and More. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2014.
  • Fugier, Mary, Jerry Hambly. Rhinoceros v5.0 Training Manual (Level I and II). McNeel, 2013.
  • Bob Sheil, Frédéric Migayrou, Luke Pearson, Laura Allen. Drawing Futures. UCL Press; 2016. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.14324/111.9781911307266
  • Ray Tracing Gems II. Springer (Open access) https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4842-7185-8#toc
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