Computational design and fabrication play a variety of roles in design, communication and construction within architectural practice. Over the past few decades, we have begun to integrate a number of these emergent technologies into the previously well-established methods of design – particularly in non-standard architecture and the expression of complex geometries and relationships.

The study of computational design can be broadly classified into two distinct areas. The first is concerned with efficiencies in the production and representation of geometry through the use of computer-aided tools (both digitally and physically). The second, and less understood of the two, is concerned with strategies for computational design thinking that aid in the augmentation of designers’ abilities and encourage computational structures that support design exploration.

Through the trimester we will be exploring aspects of both areas of computational design through the use of parametric visual scripting (Rhino – Grasshopper). The unit will focus on different digital design methods and aim to produce a range of different digital design models as well as physical rapid prototype models (CNC – Laser cutter & 3D Printer).