Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Computational Design
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Teachers will agree appointment for turorías via e-mail.
Introduction
Faculty: PhD Diego Navarro, PhD Oriol Carrasco, MArch Affonso Orciuoli, MArch Ran Shabtay, Arch Cristian Fdz Sedas, Arch Rocío López Zapata, Arch Georgina Guiu, Arch Pablo Notorio
Among the areas of knowledge that a student needs to acquire throughout their architectural studies, graphic representation plays a significant role as it is through drawing that ideas and concepts are transmitted.
During the last 15 years, information technology has changed the way in which projects are presented, in that digital media bring greater control over what is being planned. On the other hand, the development of three-dimensional plans opens up the possibility for virtual construction, with a greater capacity for experimentation as well as the exchange of information between the various agents involved in the development of a project.
Apart from graphic representation, it is possible to make a cybernetic construction of what has been planned using a computer. By means of numerical control machines, digital plans can be converted to real analogical objects, something which is radically changing the nature of architecture.
For this reason the general framework for Computer Studies courses as applied to architecture is designed to enable ESARQ students to use these new technologies, which are important tools in contemporary architecture. However, this does not pretend to forsake manual drawing, analogical and digital courses complement each other.
Pre-course requirements
Basic knowledge of the Windows operating system, as well as geometry and technical drawing (high school level), is recommended. Any prior experience with CAD drawing software will be advantageous.
Objectives
To train students in the use of digital tools by developing their knowledge, skills, and critical judgment for applying them in various contexts.
The main objective is to support the subjects within the architecture degree where graphic and spatial representation plays a key role, such as design studio, urban planning, construction, and others.
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
On completing the course, students will know how to create, edit and present architectural projects in digital formats, as well as being able to apply their computer knowledge to design applications.
Syllabus
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Introduction to CAD
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Graphics & Printing
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Dimensions & Solids
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Blocks & Outputs
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Surfaces & Curvature
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Complexity & NURBS
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Continuity & Beyond
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Arch Viz. & Exchanges
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Intro to BIM
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Display and Schedule
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Modeling & Drawings
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Topography and Camera
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Collaboration (Thursday session)
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Families & Annotations
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Phases
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Theory and demo classes will be followed by practical sessions where students will develop example exercises. These exercises will be submitted at the end of each class through the intranet, encouraging immediate application and active student participation. Submissions will always be made through the designated digital platform.
| TRAINING ACTIVITY | COMPETENCES | ECTS 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
Assessment
The course may be subdivided into different sections as deemed appropriate by the instructors, depending on software requirements and relevant strategies. If so, the weight of each section will be clearly specified according to the following criteria:
First examination period:
Attendance is mandatory. Students who do not attend at least 80% of the classes will not be allowed to take the exam.
Each section will be evaluated based on three components:
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Practical exercises in class, attendance, and attitude (10%)
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Homework assignments (70%)
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Modeling exam (20%)*
*Passing the modeling exam with a grade of 5 or higher is a mandatory requirement to pass the course.
Second examination period:
Only performance on the final exam will be evaluated (100%).
Rubric
As the proposed exercises do not include a design component, evaluation will always be based on a balance between quantity (how complete and detailed the project is) and quality (how well the graphics and/or geometry are executed).
To facilitate understanding, examples from previous courses will be provided, and appropriate minimum standards for each exercise will be established.
Bibliography and resources
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Abbott, Edwin Abbott. Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1963 (1884).
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Bob Sheil, Frédéric Migayrou, Luke Pearson, Laura Allen. Drawing Futures. UCL Press, 2016. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.14324/111.9781911307266
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Burry, Mark, Jordi Coll Grifoll, and Josep Gómez. Sagrada Familia S. XXI: Gaudí Ara/ahora/now. Barcelona: Edicions UPC, 2008.
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Candela, Félix, Cueto Ruiz Funes, Juan Ignacio del, and Angustias Freijo. Félix Candela, 1910-2010. Madrid: Sociedad Estatal de Conmemoraciones Culturales, 2010.
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Cook, Peter. Drawing. The Motive Force of Architecture. Wiley & Sons, 2014.
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Fugier, Mary, Jerry Hambly. Rhinoceros v5.0 Training Manual (Level I and II). McNeel, 2013.
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Gaudí, Antoni, and Alberto T. Estévez. Gaudí. Madrid: Susaeta, 2003.
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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.
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Pozo, José Manuel. Geometría métrica y descriptiva para arquitectos. UNAV, Pamplona, 2010.
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Ray Tracing Gems II. Springer (Open Access). Available from: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4842-7185-8#toc