The seminar will introduce students to algorithmic design techniques in architecture based on a practical introduction to a design scripting language.
An algorithm is a finite sequence of explicit, elementary instructions described in an exact, complete yet general manner which implements in particular order to solve a problem. The application and execution of algorithms on a computer happens through programming languages, which enable computing procedure. This is a fundamental property of computation as a technical achievement, but also as a theoretical framework for design. Computation has a profound impact on a contemporary understanding of architectural form, space and structure. It shifts the way one perceives form, the way in which form is purposed, and the way in which form is produced. The fundamental concepts which underlie computational theory and techniques expose form as a subsidiary component of environment, and environment as a complex web of influences. This seminar will investigate the potential of algorithmic logics for architectural design. It will provide a new method to explore spatial organization.
The seminar will be based on the introduction to the cross-platform scripting language Python within the CAD software Rhinoceros. Python is easy to learn and a very powerful scripting language which will be the new scripting language in Rhinoceros 5.0. Each participant will get access to the entire library of different form generation scripts developed during the seminar.
While students are expected to have experience of basic modelling in Rhinoceros, no previous knowledge of scripting or programming is required. This seminar will be taught in English.