School of Architecture and Design \ Architecture
Course Credit
ECTS Credit
Course Type
Instructional Language
Programs that can take the course
The course is structured around the use of nature-informed design in architecture. It involves developing architectural designs inspired by natural structures and utilizing the "topology optimization" method, which is widely used in various disciplines today. In the course, the Topos plugin in Rhino/Grasshopper will be used.
Textbook and / or References
Kotnik, T., D’Acunto, P.Operative Diagramatology: Structural Folding for Architectural Design. Proceedings of Design Modelling Symposium 2013, Berlin, 193-203.Wang, S., T. Kotnik, J. Schwartz. Redefining Structural Art: Neuroasthetics Perspective on the Art of Structural Design. Architecture, Structures and Construction 2, 3-16 (2022).Wang, S., T. Kotnik, J. Schwartz, T. Cao. Equilibrium as the common ground: Introducing embodied perception into structural design with graphic statics. Frontiers of Architectural Research 11(03): 574-589.
The course aims to provide students with an experiential understanding of nature-informed design, which is widely used and researched in contemporary architectural practice, through a design exercise. Additionally, this course seeks to first understand the vast database that nature offers and then utilize it in our own designs to solve structural problems, create inspiring designs, and update/improve existing approaches.
1. Understanding nature-informed design and its potential applications in architecture.
2. Developing the ability to design efficient structures.
3. Effectively using computer-aided design programs for structural optimization.
Week 1: Introduction to the course – objectives, scope, course information, and references.
Week 2: Parametric/Algorithmic Design, Biomimetic Design.
Week 3: Presentations and conceptual discussions: Parametric/Algorithmic Design.
Week 4: Presentations and conceptual discussions: Nature-Informed (Biomimetic) Design.
Week 5: Presentation of Assignment 2.
Week 6: Presentations and conceptual discussions: Topology Optimization and Efficient Structural Design.
Week 7: Presentations and conceptual discussions: Methods and Tools for Topology Optimization.
Week 8: Practical Application.
Week 9: Practical Application.
Week 10: Practical Application.
Week 11: Practical Application.
Week 12: Final Presentations.
Tentative Assesment Methods
• Midterm Exam 30 %
• Final Exam 50 %
• Participation 20 %
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