COMPUTER AIDED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
COURSE DESCRIPTION FALL 2024

Summary

ARCH 2710 is a hands-on course in computer-aided design and 3D geometric modeling. It explores state-of-the-art advances in modeling and visualization, focusing on using computers to generate forms inspired by the built and natural environment and their underlying geometrical structures. The course critically examines the evolution of these technologies and their future direction in design.

Students enroll in a discussion session (workshop group) that meets twice weekly. Core topics include advanced curves and surfacing, digital terrain modeling, solid modeling, orthographic and perspective projection, texture and material mapping, and rendering. Light simulation through global illumination (light energy) modeling is also covered. Advanced methods include parametric variation, instantiation, and constraints. Students explore scripting via Grasshopper (a graphical programming language) and Python (optional) to generate procedural 3D forms.

Exercises build towards a comprehensive case study, which may focus on architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, or other design fields. Students from non-design disciplines can base their case studies on complex biological forms or other 3D visualization subjects relevant to their areas. Case studies also explore tectonics, formal assembly, geometric algorithms, spatial composition, simulated light properties in materials and environments, and animation.

ARCH 2710 is required for Architecture undergraduates. Or, it may also count as a Visualization Elective within the School of Architecture. It may also count as an Architecture Elective for non-majors or, with Computer Science department approval, as an Integrative Elective for Computer Science majors.

Format

The format includes one lecture per week for the first few weeks of the semester, then every two to three weeks thereafter. There is also an individually selected workshop, meeting twice a week, focused on tutorials and in-class, one-on-one support. All workshops are held in Campbell 105 and must be attended regularly. Switching workshops on a few occasions is allowed with instructor permission under special circumstances. Workshops emphasize hands-on exercises through structured tutorials and assisted work sessions.

Lectures on Thursdays, during weeks that they occur, are held at 5:00 p.m. in Campbell 153. They cover key concepts, current practices, advances, and emerging technologies, providing an essential framework for applying the technology learned in workshops. Full attendance at all lectures and workshops is required.

Facilities

Computer workstations, both physical and virtual, are available 24/7. Class software is accessible online via a Virtual Computer system, requiring a free VMWare installation. The main software includes Rhino, with plugins like Grasshopper, Python for Grasshopper, V-Ray, and other third-party programs for human form generation, video editing, and specialized visualization. This software is installed on all physical Windows computers in the school's labs and classrooms and its Virtual Computer system. Installing Rhino on your personal computer is required for unrestricted access. More details will be shared on the first day of class.*

Requirements

The term includes six exercises, with the first five making up 50% of the grade and the final project 40%. Class participation, including attendance at lectures and workshops, accounts for 10%. Low attendance or participation may lead to a failing grade. For more details on participation, see the syllabus.

* Rhino 8.0 is the only purchase requirement. It can be purchased at a discounted price of approximately $95 from Cavalier Computers. Due to plugin compatibility, the Windows version of Rhino is required. Installation of Rhino on an Apple computer running virtual Windows software (e.g., Fusion, Parallels) is acceptable. Apart from being available online on Virtual Computers or on physical computers within Campbell Hall, all software is either free or optional. V-Ray, available at educational pricing from Chaos Group, is a recommended option and will be discussed during the second week of class.