This elective course is a combination of design workshops and seminars. Students will explore the potential of high-performance architecture by means of parametric design, digital fabrication, and material computation. As contemporary architects have been adopting the emerging digital technology in the process of crafting our physical environments, the techniques (know-how) and philosophy (know-why) toward more effective and efficient architecture become critical for young designers. The concept of “material computation” - how parametric methods incorporate material properties will help enhance the performance of structure, reduce material cost and finally redefine aesthetics of architectonics. By relating material quality (i.e. curvature, size, tension, …) to geometry of forms in real-time with parametric tools, designers are able to design while evaluating relative performance (functions, environmental factors, feasibility, cost, form…etc.). Computational models therefore go beyond visual representation and become building information for later evaluation, integration, fabrication and even construction. This course will cover both concept and hands-on practice of such a contemporary design approach to performative architecture.

This elective course is a combination of design workshops and seminars. Students will explore the potential of high-performance architecture by means of parameter design, digital fabrication, and material computing. As contemporary architects have been adopting the emerging digital technology in the process of crafting our physical environments, the techniques (know-how) and philosophy (know-why) towards more effective and efficient architecture becomes critical for young designers. The concept of “material computing” - how parameter methods incorporate material properties will help enhance the performance of structure, reduce material cost and finally redefine aesthetics of architecture. By relating material quality (i.e. curvature, size, tension, …) to geometry of forms in real-time with parameter tools, designers are able to design while evaluating relative performance (functions, environmental factors, feasibility, cost, form…etc.). Computational models therefore go beyond visual representation and become building information for later evaluation, integration, fabrication and even construction. This course will cover both concept and hands-on practice of such a contemporary design approach to performant architecture.

1. Material Strategies in Digital Fabrication, Christopher Beorkrem, 2013, Rouledge Publication.
2. Computation Works – The Building of Algorithmic Thought, Brady Peters and Xavier de Kestelier (Editors), Architectural Design Mrch/April 2013.
3. Material Computation: Higher Integration in Morphogenetic Design, Achim Menges (Editor), 2012, Academy Press.
4. Parametric Architecture with Grasshopper, Arturo Tedeschi, 2010, Edizioni Le Penseur.
5. Digital Fabrications: Architectural and Material Techniques, Lisa Iwamoto, 2009, Princeton Architectural Press.

1. Material Strategies in Digital Fabrication, Christopher Beorkrem, 2013, Rouledge Publication.
2. Computation Works – The Building of Algorithmic Thought, Brady Peters and Xavier de Kestelier (Editors), Architectural Design Mrch/April 2013.
3. Material Computation: Higher Integration in Morphogenetic Design, Achim Menges (Editor), 2012, Academy Press.
4. Parametric Architecture with Grasshopper, Arturo Tedeschi, 2010, Edizioni Le Penseur.
5. Digital Fabrications: Architectural and Material Techniques, Lisa Iwamoto, 2009, Princeton Architectural Press.