POSTGRADUATE COURSES
AND SUBJECTS
PG1. DIGITAL DESIGN AND FABRICATION
Semester 1
27 ECTS
Design process in general, and particularly in architecture, is a complex process that involves a combination of knowledge, skills, experiences, practices, etc. In recent decades it emerges clearly and unstoppable trend, the so-called digital design, which adds to all the aforementioned factors the use of digital tools.
First tool was CAD (Computer Aided Drawing or Computer Aided Design) enabling somehow more efficient drawing and design. Computers were also applied to manufacturing (CAM, Computer Aided Manufacturing) and CAD-CAM duo pushed strongly at the turn of the XXIst century. Later on other new acronyms appeared on the stage of design and manufacture, mainly CNC (Computer Numerical Control) as a step beyond CAM.
All these techniques converge in parametric design. Already vividly present in the first half of the twentieth century in the automotive sector (geometric design) finally impact on architectural design which represents a new step that has led to a new type of Architecture.
This postgraduate course addresses this theoretical advance of architectural design from the subject "Architecture in the 21st Century. From Algorithm to Sing? " It is not that new tools produce new design but new design uses the new tools.
And as it has been said, geometry is the first step in this new adventure. And in particular parametric geometry that gave its name to what we call now parametric design. It's necessary to reach the origin of this change and this we will achieved from the subject "Parametric Geometry".
The third subject of this postgraduate course is "Digital fabrication". It is impossible to imagine a course in digital design and manufacturing without manipulating digital tools. But we must also learn to use these tools in a conceptual way, not only instrumentally. Both approaches will give the students the skills offered by the postgraduate course.
Finally, if we talk about architecture, we talk about comprehensive design studio. The course offers space and time where all the learning, theoretical and practical, achieved with the subjects is materialized in the typical task of an architect: the project. "Studio 1_ Information and Systems" offers not only the development of some architectural projects but also a micro integrated, closed workshops, which will give the students concrete and specific tools that clearly raise the overall skills of the course.
6 ECTS
Professors: Dionís Boixader Ibañez, Genis Avila Casademont and Isabel
Crespo Cabillo
Theoretical lectures on mathematical modeling of shapes and objects, with architectural examples.
DESCRIPTION:
The course is about surface and curve modelling by using mathematical functions and Descriptive Geometry.
The students will learn how to build parametric models for many specific purposses, ranging from the fitting of a shape to the animation of CAD created objects.
GrassHopper will be the tool of choice to implement examples and ideas throughout the course.
TOPICS
- Coordinate systems and their application to CAD.
- Analytic Geometry (Part 1): vectors, lines and planes. Solids. Examples from art, design and architecture.
- Analytic Geometry (Part 2): transformation geometry. Emblematic buildings that can be explained as transformations of simple solids.
- Introduction to Differential Geometry: the parametrization of curves and surfaces. A mathematical insight into CAD: the freeform tools. The ruled and other simply constructible surfaces. Introduction to resistance through form. Analysis of emblematic buildings.
- Putting things at work: from simple CAD geometrical models, via visual programming and abstract algorithms, to mathematically described parametric complex models.
REQUIREMENTS
Mathematics at upper secondary level or higher. Basic notions of descriptive geometry and CAD.
ACTIVITIES
- Theoretical lectures on the mathematical modeling of shapes and objects, with architectural examples.
- Practical lectures on parametrically enhanced geometrical modeling.
- Practical elements of data structures and programming in Grasshopper.
- Solving mathematical and geometrical short exercises both by hand and in Grasshopper.
GRADING
The final mark is the overall weighted average of:
- Handing in the class exercices (40%)
- Writing and presenting an original essay on some freely chosen topic relevant to the course (30%)
- A final individual exercise (30%)
6 ECTS
Professors: Enrique Soriano Botella, Pep Tornabell Teixidor
Knoweledge and use of tools, both theoretical (software) and practial (hardware) that have allowed the emergence of this type of architectural design.
PROFICENCIES
- acquire the knowledge on the state of the art of digital fabrication techniques
- master machine toolpath design
- master several strategies to materialise complex geometries
- capacity to optimize fabrication processes according to machining and material
- design creative uses or applications of machines
PREVIOUS REQUIREMENTS
- 3D CAD prior experience
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Combining theory and practice, the course is designed to be both very practical (industry-oriented) and experimental at the same time. Every session has a theoretical framework and a research scope. The course will take place in a laboratory of digital fabrication.
There will be special sessions meeting the experts in each of the different techniques.
EVALUATION SYSTEM
Diverse practical exercises (most will be done during the teaching and one of them autonomously)
BRIEF SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
The course is divided into three blocks containing the framework of the main strategies.
- Linear works, describes flat cuts or engravings with planar tools such as laser cutters or vynil cutters.
- Superficial works, focuses in substractive techniques with Z capacity, such as milling machines. General milling theory will be covered as well as toolpathing experimentation. We will mainly work on 3 and 4 axis, but 5 and more axis will be carefully studied.
- Volumetric works, covers all additive techniques, focusing specifically on delta fused depositon modelling printers.
The first two blocks are substractive actions, based on flat or prismatic formats, with a wide range of materials and some restricted operations. Last block is shape-free but material restricted.
Every class is divided in a theoretical part and a practical part using the machines from the digital fabrication lab. Starting from common exercices, every student will develop a specific research project on every block.
6 ECTS
Professors: Josep Giner Olcina, José Ángel Sanz Esquide, Raúl Martínez Martínez and Tiago Lopes Dias
Analysis of the historical process leading to the current state of architectural theory.
PROFICENCIES
- Progress in understanding architectural theory in the 21st century and its roots.
- Ability to read a text slowly in order to interpret it properly and critically; identification of relevant terminology.
- Ability to communicate information in oral and written format; management of time allocated to presentation.
- Ability to work collectively on theoretical and practical matters.
PREVIOUS REQUIREMENTS
None
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Students will be required to prepare two papers on two texts, to discuss their papers with the teachers and to present them to the class; the use of complementary bibliography will be encouraged.
EVALUATION
- Analysis of two texts and presentation to the class (40% + 25%)
- Participation in discussion (25%)
- Regular attendance to class (10%)
BRIEF SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
It is more than fifty years since Christopher Alexander enunciated his ideal of an architectural project firmly grounded on a mathematical in nature, rigorous formalization, capable of simultaneous control of an enormous amount of variables, largely beyond the power of the most gifted, talented and skilled designers having ever worked within an architectural tradition. Peter Eisenman defended his mythical doctoral thesis nearly at the same time: the logic of architectural form was that of a coherent linguistic system combining both exact functioning and unlimited capacities of variation and complexity; soon afterwards, he described the autonomous nature of the system as a major break with all previous architecture, a break which opened and characterized a new epistemological era; and he designed and eventually built structures where always more and more concurrent logical procedures were put at work in a most mechanical way. Alexander wanted to solve all imaginable requirements and Eisenman demanded the strictest internal congruence: the criteria of excellence could not be more different; the pattern language that Reyner Banham could describe as the timeless element common to all past and future architectures and the self-referential sign specific of contemporary architecture were obviously contradictory and incompatible. But both ideas were eagerly desirous of controlling an extraordinary multiplicity; and both were developed theoretically and also methodologically... within the limits of the T-rule and the adjustable square: parametric architecture had a theory –or some draft theories- much time before it became a real possibility.
The computer did finally arrive in the eighties; in those days, nobody cared to refine, improve or reconsider those theories. Whatever the relevant firm taken into consideration, all witnesses afford the same universal evidence: the story is always one of a distrustful and suspicious principal making continuous statements against any kind of naive fascination in front of that auxiliary tool while asking his prothetic and just-arrived expert in its use to provide some not-really-important secondary material; the tool growing to take over running the whole process on practical grounds.
The effort of collecting chronicles of the sort is being made just now, and the idea that the history of the process must be recorded is part of a larger theoretical endeavor at last under way, including the reappearance of the question of a new architecture for a new time –both specifically based on the computer-, the idea of parametricism as a style –be it the only possible avantgarde or the latest of neogothics-, the organization of congresses and conferences intended to completely redefine the status of architecture, or the repeated statement that the existence of a theory is a necessary requisite to find one’s way among so much valueless production.
The course will critically study the theoretical materials produced during the different stages of this process.
9 ECTS
Professors: Rosa Maria Rull Bertran, Amadeu Santacana Juncosa
Learn how to approach architectural design in order to get some projects that have added the parametric design. Negotiation skills.
PROFICIENCIES
PREVIOUS REQUIREMENTS
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
EVALUATION SYSTEM
BRIEF SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
PG2. PERFORMATIVE PARAMETRIC DESIGN
Semester 2
27 ECTS
Parametric
design is based on the creation of algorithms that will make the best
of some "initial data", that is: parameters. This postgraduate course will give the students the skills that will enable
both to be able to fix which are the parameters to be considered in
a given design and how to generate an optimized algorithm to manipulate them.
"Parametric Design and BIM" gives competence to use the power of BIM, (designing from databases), with the ability to generate such databases and manipulate them using parametric algorithms. The student gets a double result: the globalization of the task of designing and its optimization.
On the other hand, the parametric design does not end, not even close, in geometric design. It is necessary to provide good performance in all the fields of architecture, and if we talk about the executive phase of it, this performance must also be related to the technology.
"Algorithmics in Technology in Architecture" will use parametric design applied in construction, analysis of structures and installations, conditioning and services, etc. providing the student with new skills, not acquired from the traditional teaching of these subjects.
The same will be true about "Parametric Design in Planning and Landscape". Here is the urban planning, in all facets, which give the student these new skills.
Finally, it could not be otherwise, the "Studio 2. Post-production and Building" will be the meeting place of all the acquired learning. Through a comprehensive architectural design and a set of closed mini-workshops, included in the same studio, the student will show the skills acquired in all the other subjects. In all these exercises the end result will be optimized, improved so that the design has served to generate a new performance or new properties to the diverse architectural elements.
At the end of this second postgraduate course the students will be able to offer skills on handling parametric tools applied to architectural design in all its aspects. Skills that could hardly be obtained through independent courses just based on using parametric software and hardware.
6 ECTS
Professor: Pep Tornabell Teixidor
Application of existing BIM architectural software in parametric design.
PROFICIENCIES
- Acquire a basic and generic knowledge about the implementation of parametrics to BIM.
- State of the art of the different platforms, software and plug-ins.
- Basic knowledge of BIM modeling and management.
- Parametric BIM modeling and data management in practice.
PREVIOUS REQUIREMENTS
- Basic knowledge of parametric modeling
- Basic knowledge of spreadsheets (eg. Excel).
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
The course methodology will be theoretical and practical work, in class and autonomously (online). Theoretical sessions where different experts in the world of construction will explaintheir vision and experiences on real cases. These sessions will draw a map of current solutions and will allow the student to focus in one platform.
Then the student will be allowed to work in the chosen plattform to master their skills on modelling parametric BIM objects as manage BIM data.
EVALUATION SYSTEM
- Two practical exercises (one to be developped in class and another autonomous).
- Theoretical exam.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
The course intends to show the benefits of joining parametric design and BIM. Learn its potential while we review the current available technologies. From parametric modelling of BIM elements to data management.
- Bentley: + AECOsim GenerativeComponents.
- Autodesk: Revit + Dynamo.
- McNeel: Rhino + Grasshopper.
8 ECTS
Professors: Ramon Sastre Sastre, Pep Tornabell Teixidor
Project development on construction designs, structural facilities or applying knowledge acquired in the course.
PROFICIENCIES
- Ability to propose a new design of a structure.
- Ability to parametrize building details a modify them accordingly.
- Ability to analyse comfort and parametrize it.
- Ability to apply parametric design to concrete formwork construction.
- Ability to be improve old technologies
- Ability to design building installations parametrically.
- Prototyping.
- Innovation
PREVIOUS REQUIREMENTS
- Analysis and design of structures: Frameworks, bars, meshes, etc.
- Analysis and design of building installations.
- Knowledge and competence to design Details in Architecture.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
- Study cases of typical building technology projects
- Building site vists
- Innovative design as practice.
- Lectures. Study and readings by the participant.
EVALUATION SYSTEM
- Class attendence, exercises and practice deliverings.
- Projects with parametric building technology.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
4 ECTS
Professors: Jordi Nebot Roca, Montserrat Bonvei, Lluis Viu , Gerard
Bertomeu
The reading of the territory is becoming more complex, the number of elements, indices, information, layers involved.. are increasing. This course aims immersion in the analysis and staging of various parameters, from the point of view of what they report us about the city or territory.
PROFICIENCIES
Generic contributing to matter
- Capacity for analysis and synthesis
- Ability to apply knowledge in practice
- Ability to generate new ideas (creativity)
- Ability to adapt to new situations
- Ability to be critical and self-critical
- Ability to learn
- Design and project
- Innovation
Specific contributing to matter
- New ways of seeing common and everyday topics, as an opportunity to generate new proposals
- Analysis of different fields crossing and its possibilities on landscape or city planning.
PREVIOUS REQUIREMENTS
- 3D CAD prior experience
- Basic programming experience Grasshopper (Dynamo ...)
LEARNING ACTIVITIES The learning methodology is based on: -
- Classes with analysis and proposed exercises, exercise and subsequent exposure
- Video lessons
- Evaluable Activities
- Study and readings by the participant.
EVALUATION SYSTEM
- Class attendence and online sessions will be assessed, exercises / presented papers and exposure.
- Students must attend a minimum of 80% of classes.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
The reading of the territory is becoming more complex, the number of elements, indices, information, layers that are involved… are increasing. This course's aim is immersion in the analysis and the staging of various parameters, from the point of view of what is reported to us about the city or region. By modifying these parameters,we can,change the city or territory.
By inserting the current dynamism to the project of the city or territory, we change the parameters as well as how they can impact us. How we draw it, and to which direction the project pushes us.
Water, vegetation, infiltration / permeability, topography, infrastructure, density, uses, ... how we can parameterize these concepts and how they can help us in the design process. It will be a journey where the end point will depend on the student's work as well as the findings of the joint working group ... where a node affects the rest of the structure.
9 ECTS
Professors: Rosa Maria Rull Bertran, Amadeu Santacana Juncosa
Learn how to approach architectural design in order to get some projects that have added the parametric design. Negotiation skills.
POST CONSTRUCTION AND STUDIO 2_ In the second semester of the course will increase the complexity of the exercises and introduced other issues close to the materiality of specific projects, the technology used in the process of parametric design and new processes production, prefabrication and rapid prototyping. We propose that students can see through practical exercises, such architectures schematic only designed with hand tools can become architectural complex systems that respond to a wider range of parameters. The inclusion of more parameters to existing architecture, we may be able to get to the places where it is impossible otherwise, or consider other layers with a much higher precision than the traditional way of designing. It poses a long-term exercise, which may be Final Master himself, consisting of a rethink of these existing architectures, architecture and setting a program already set made from the traditional methodology, and applying a new parametric methodology to convert it into another architecture, complex content which improves the performance of the original architecture by incorporating rigorous new layers and parameters.
M3. MASTER THESIS
Original work, based on research, were the
student will show how parametric design has changed his/her skills to
produce architectural projects. This research work will be done under
assistance of a tutor, one of the professors of the master, a will be
evaluated by a jury of several members, from the faculty of the master.
6 ECTS
Professors: Rosa Maria Rull Bertran, Amadeu Santacana Juncosa, Ramon Sastre Sastre
Final project.