DIGITAL DETAILING: SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS

This seminar introduces a powerful set of models to simulate, predict and even improve architectural design. We look at models that reduce systems to their most critical relationships while opening them to new conjectures and productivity. Pulled from the worlds of material computing, biomimetics, computational geometry and data science, these simulation-based models are well documented and highly applicable to architectural design. Most importantly, this class is a hands-on opportunity for everyone that thinks a computer can do more than render.

Models will be introduced through presentations, demos and tech literature. Workshops with a subset of the models will give students a hands-on experience with deploying architectural simulation in design. We will use Rhino Grasshopper as a primary staging area, but will also be utilizing some course-specific code and plugins to explore each model in-depth.

Each student will be asked to deploy one of the introduced simulation-based models in the design or optimization of a series of design candidates. Students will develop their own technical presentation, which cites and builds upon the original model. The project will be supported with the workshops and with individual assistance, troubleshooting and feedback from the professors.

See syllabus for prerequisites and complete list of models covered