Faculty

Paul NICHOLAS

Tom SVILANS

Mette RAMSGAARD THOMSEN

Gabriella ROSSI

Martin TAMKE

Nadja GAUDILLIÈREJAMI

Johan LUND PEDERSEN

Ayoub LHARCHI

Phil AYRES

Academic Content & Structure

The working practices of Computation in Architecture place particular emphasis on projectbased design-led inquiry in which tight iterative cycles of hypothesis, testing, experimentation and reflection are conducted through production. We challenge and support our students to develop personally directed architectural inquiries which make relevant and critical use of digital technologies.

To assist this we have structured the course predominantly around project-based experimentation and direct engagement, but other modes of reflective inquiry are also promoted including writing, informed reading, verbal presentation and group discussion. The program is conceived as a two-year program in which the first semester provides given groupbased and individual projects for skilling-up. An equal focus is put on representation and makingworking with both computation and directly with hands-on 1:1 material experiment.

The studio is based at the heart of the campus with the CITA research centre and the dedicated digital fabrication workshop and bio-lab right next to them. This close proximity ensures easy exchange between collegiate and students.

Research Informed Design Inquiry

Skill building in computational, simulation and digital fabrication methods is structured to support and enable design investigation. Over the semester, courses are run in parallel with the design project. These courses introduce and build skills in the use of computer programming as an architectural design tool; the use of robotic fabrication process and workflows to support the design integration of material forming processes; and develop awareness of digital design practice.

concept & programme

Students are required to personally direct a competent, inventive and ambitious architectural investigation of appropriate complexity that utilizes their defined study programme from the previous semester as the point of departure.

Methodology

This semester focuses on introducing research methods for supporting design-led architectural inquiry.

Practice

Focus is placed on the use of research methods, researchby-design primarily, as a critical support for design-led inquiry and the development of innovative practice

Formats

Skill building is achieved through courses, guest lectures and workshops. Individual design investigations are guided through tutorials.

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge of design-led research methods and a critical understanding of their merits, limits and contexts of use.

2. Ability to use relevant architectural theory to define, inform and position designled research informed investigation.

3. Ability to define a personally directed research informed architectural investigation of appropriate complexity.

4. Ability to use of simulation techniques with developed understandings of their assumptions, abstractions, limits and opportunities within design contexts.

5. Competence in deploying appropriate digital design strategies for addressing architectural, structural, fabrication, programmatic and site-based issues.

6. Competence with specific material forming techniques and their potential for informing complex architectural proposition.

7. Ability to propose prospective project work that develops personally-directed competencies and knowledge via research methods.