Brief

Developing Computational Solutions for Design Problems is a seminar for architecture students who are motivated to develop and utilize advanced computational tools to address design problems. The course examines the essential mathematics, data structures, and algorithms of the interdisciplinary practice of computational design. With hands-on Grasshopper and GhPython workshops, it equips students with foundational skills to solve design problems by developing agile and versatile computational tools. At the end of the course, students will develop standalone tools for design applications with the instructor’s assistance.

The course is organized in four components: (i) primitive geometric data types (vectors, planes, transformations, curves, surfaces, etc.); (ii) advanced geometric data types (graph theory, polysurfaces, meshes, etc.); (iii) spatial data structures and algorithms (tessellation, L systems, introduction to algorithms and complexity, etc.); and (iv) the final project.

The instructor will also demonstrate Ovenbird, the 3D printing slicing software he developed, as a case study of a comprehensive tool from concept to prototype and product.