Spatial Computing in Architectural Design

Last updated on Jan 10, 2024
Study Guide Design_Studio 2.0 Repo_Spatial_Computing_Design_Studio 1.0 Repo_Spatial_Computing_Design_Studio 2.0 Repo_Spatial_Computing_Design_Studio 3.0

Responsible Instructor & Studio Director: Dr.ir. P. Nourian Instructors: Ir.S.Azadi, Dr.ir. P. Nourian, Ir. J.J.J.G. Hoogenboom

The minor degree programme consists of two courses (in English) and takes place in the second quarter: {Computational Design Studio (BK7083: 9 ECs) & Computational Simulations (BK7084: 6 ECs)}. These courses introduce the essential mathematics and fundamentals of computing in spatial (geometrical, topological, and/or graph theoretical) algorithmic design, simulations, and evaluation in the context of a design challenge and a series of assignments. Both courses include lectures and hands-on [python programming] workshops, group-study, and seminars. For the seminars, the experts on the specific topics are invited to broaden the scope of students. Virtual Reality and Rapid-Prototyping facilities are available for experimentation to all students on demand. The computational design studio is focused on a participatory architectural design challenge that is about designing an urban housing complex. In this context, students learn to systematically design and underpin the decisions made for designing a complex building project.

For whom?

BSc students from TU Delft: BSc programme of Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences, Technology, Policy & Management, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Technology, Aerospace Engineering and Applied Physics.

BSc students from Leiden University and Erasmus University: this minor is open to students from a few specific BSc programmes of Leiden University and Erasmus University. For the exact BSc programmes from Leiden University and Erasmus University with which you can apply for this minor please check Minor website.

BSc students from other Dutch universities & BSc students from HBO: students interested in rational and collaborative approaches to design as well as mathematical/computational [geometric] modelling are encouraged to enrol. Prior knowledge of mathematics and computer science (basic Linear Algebra, Calculus, and Python programming) is appreciated but is not considered a prerequisite; eagerness for learning is more important. Interest in game development would be very relevant and appreciated.

A slime mold network foraging network replicating the design of the metropolitan rail network of metropolitan area of Tokyo. The genesis of a highly sophisticated network through collective intelligence is a source of inspiration for Generative Design of Architectural Configurations by devising Multi-Agent Systems in the course Spatial Computing Design Studio. Image from AAAS/Science
Image Credit: Student Project Arthouse
Image Credit: Student Project CUB3D

What will you learn?

You will learn to systematically design and underpin the decisions made for designing a complex building project. Specifically:

  • to formulate a program of requirements based on the needs of a client;
  • to use basic spatial mathematical constructs in architectural design and simulation;
  • to perform spatial data visualization using existing software tools or programming;
  • to distinguish and identify data modelling, analysis, simulation, evaluation and optimization methods;
  • to utilize simulation in architectural design;
  • to show by analytic models or simulations how a design is supposed to work;
  • to compare design or decision alternatives according to evaluation criteria; and,
  • to formulate design problems and draft algorithms for procedural design.
Sample_Works
Image Credit: Student Project Piece_of_Cake , Student Project Pandora , Student Project Arthouse , Student Project Accretioe

Students' Work-Samples, Spatial Computing 4.0

Students' Work-Samples, Spatial Computing 3.0

The entire projects are open-source and documented in this repository.