Techniques2Architecture

Studio Project Outline
Emerging computational design and manufacturing technologies are having a strong impact on the way architecture is evolving today. Patrik Schumacher considers the last ten years of architectural production as a time of innovative readjustment. Schumacher argues that emerging “Parametric Design” techniques, are about to become a new architectural style, as significant as the modern.

In this class we would like to be skeptical with this kind of holistic approaches. We will investigate and focus on the current status of digital designing and manufacturing tools, as part of an democratic, online community of knowledge and information.

The class consist of an early morphogenetic phase and a second, more technical, focusing on manufacturing drawings and production technologies. Finally in phase three, the produced diagrammatic structures will be transformed into buildings. A series of software orientated tutorials will accompany this two phases.

We will be aiming on a ground-up production of geometrical parametric systems, able to generate spatial and structural constructs. We will explore such a procedure from early morphological studies, till the production of physical prototypes. The schools laser cuter, 3d plotter will be used for that purpose.

Following Axel Killians morphogenetic surface / design surface approach, we will focus on the notion of the unit as possible design instrument. By the use of unrolling, sectioning, tilling, framing, and molding techniques we will explore relations between materials and CNC manufacturing technologies in big scale.

Finally, the Students will be asked to transform the produced diagrammatic models into an architectural proposal, which will integrate organizational, spatial or structural aspects explored. They will be adjusted to the urban context of Beirut, focusing in the bright city’s future. Each student will choose one of the suggested sites, suitable for his/hers Beirut Utopia (?). In the following step students will invent a program for a middle to big scale building, suitable to their site and geometrical system (housing, office, merchandising, cultural facilities, public spaces etc). Site-plan, floor plans, sections, 3d digital and physical models are expected, in the scale of 1:200, at least. Each student should produce a minimum of one photo montage of his building in the city of Beirut, demonstrating his utopia. Utopia here does not mean a denial of reality. On the contrary it offers a critical glimpse of creative work and its sometimes visionary dimension.

The studio consist of computational classes, pin up and desk critique sessions. The produced material will be documented and published internationally.

Required tools / skills
Tools: Rhinoceros rs8, Grasshopper, paneling tools.
skills: basic CAD computational skills


Schedule Juries & Due Dates

28.09.10 general introduction lecture
30.09.10 introduction into rhinoceros rs08 software tutorial
05.10.10 rhinoceros rs08, software tutorial
07.10.10 rhinoceros rs08, software tutorial
12.10.10 rhinoceros / grasshopper
14.10.10- 02.11.10 design,structure, physical models (1:3) and diagrams
04.11.10 pin-up structural physical models
09.11.10-16.11.10 project proposal, selection of site and function.
23.11,10 pin-up, project proposal, with site plan model and first sketches.
02.12.10 mid term presentation, with guest critics
14.12.10 pin-up, building proposal, schematic drawings and model in 1/200
18.01.11 pre-final presentation, models, floor plans, sections, elevations in and physical models in 1/200
01.02.11 final presentation, guest jury. Site plan in 1/500, floor plans, sections and elevations, presentation model in 00. Visualizations and photo montage in the site


Bibliography
- “Modular Structures in Design and Architecture”, A.Agkathidis
- “Digital Manufacturing in Design and Architecture” A.Agkathidis
- “Form Defining Strategies” A.Agkathidis, M. Huder, G. Schlillig
- “Performative Geometries”, A.Agkathidis, G. Schillig
- “Digital Fabrications: Architectural and Material Techniques”, L.Iwamoto
- “From Control to Design: Parametric / Algorithmic Architecture”, T. Sakamoto
- “Versatility and Vicissitude: Performance in Morpho-Ecological Design”.Hensel, Menges
- “Space Reader, Heterogeneous Space in Architecture” Hensel, Menges, Hight
- “The New Structuralism: Design, Engineering and Architectural Technologies”, R.Oxman
- “Manufacturing Material Effects:Rethinking Design and Making in Architecture”, B. Kolarevic
- “The Architecture of Emergence: The Evolution of Form in Nature and Civilisation”,
M. Weinstock
- “The Function of Ornament”, F. Moussavi, M. Kubo
- “Occupying and Connecting: Thougts on Territories and Spheres of Influence with particular Reference to Human Settlement”, F. Otto.