ARCH1964-1

Duration

24h Pr

Number of credits

	Master in architecture (120 ECTS)	2 crédits

Lecturer

Fréderic Delvaux

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

In contemporary architecture, the integration of geometry, parametric design and digital production seems essential for the new generations of students. Together, these three fields allow to follow a project-based methodology based on different processes than the methodology based on the "traditional" paradigm. The course will focus on studying a prototype to be built on a large scale. Formal and structural experiments will be set up as a part of this project that will involve - based on simple geometric considerations - an efficient method to create inhabitate spaces . The course will start with a series of sketches, whose generated shapes will become easily identifiable. It will then examine the implications of putting these contents into practice, defining their parameters (using the Grasshopper software) and the constraints related to production and assembly. The most prominent topics in this course include:

The influence of digital culture on architecture (especially with regards to its architectonic implications).
The influence of geometry on the conception of architecture.
The contribution of structural morphology: free shapes and rules-based shapes.
A bespoke software application (Rhino3d+Grasshopper), used for parametric design, enabling users to (Rhino3d+Grasshopper) pour la conception paramétrique permettant d'intégrer l'approche géométrique et structurelle de la forme, la chaine de conception - fabrication.
La méthode expérimentale et l'exploration des implications de la conception dans la matérialisation et la stabilité des objets construits.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Connected to the competency framework : All teaching in the Study of Representation and Form area will enable students to develop specific competencies in the Faculty's competency framework by guiding them more particularly in the development of the competencies. For this teaching unit :
Defining an architectural question

Studying the various components of the theme and context (historical, landscape, economic, legal, technological, etc.).

Drafting a spatial response

Using verbal, written and graphic language as a means of designing, structuring, verifying and questioning thought.
Introducing experiments with implementation as a design parameter.
Adjusting spatial resolutions through exploratory questioning (question-response-spatial validation and new cycle of questioning)

Learning outcomes from the teaching unit described in operational terms.

Understanding : the approach to generating forms, controlling them and the media involved in materialising designed objects (in the broadest sense).
Analysing : bibliographical references (articles, publications, conferences, etc..) which enable the contextualisation of course content in the digital culture and its influence on architecture.
Application : formulating an analysis leading to the use of the software tools.
Evaluating : self-criticism of the process used (rationalisation, optimising the generation of form).
Creation: students will learn to develop a response that integrates different types of notions (shape acquisition/sketch, geometry, structure, construction) in the digital design-building continuum, using the most appropriate tools and following an identifiable methodology that is adapted to the exercise's goals.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

To take part in this teaching unit, you should have acquired the following credits : cours "Culture Numérique et processus génératifs de la forme" ARCH1004-1

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Presentation on the design-building continuum and on digital production-building tools (3D printing, laser cutting, multi-axis robots...).

Sketching and parametric design for shape acquisition.
Iterative development of the project in terms of the relationships between shape, structure and building.
Experiments and feedback on the project's design and building on a 1:1 scale.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Presence in class is required.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Continuous assessment of understanding of theoretical concepts and the student's practical work.
Assessing a piece of written work summarising the theoretical concepts and personal projects developed throughout the course. The criteria for assessing the final piece of work are : the relevance of the choice of parameters and how they impact upon the possibility of structuring form, the quality, method and description of the approach (inventiveness, limits, solutions, etc.) and the quality of communication of the final result in its context. Work will be presented to the teaching staff.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

The course is given as a five-day workshop , and the students' work will be presented at the end of the activity. Practical information (transportation, accommodation...) will be provided soon. For organisational reasons, the deadline to enrol into this course is set to September 30.

Contacts

Lecturers :
Frédéric Delvaux
Frederic.delvaux@ulg.ac.be
Student-relay teachers :
Frédéric Delvaux

Digital design in its Materializing Approach