Recommended prerequisite for participation in the module

The course module adds to integrated design knowledge obtained in 1st semester of the Master’s program in Architectural Design-engineering. Therefore, the student is recommended to have knowledge, skills and competencies within the architectural design and engineering field corresponding to the completion of the MSc01 level at the Architectural Design-engineering education.

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The aim of the course is to enable students with an advanced critical and experimental understanding of computation, simulation, and parametric design tools required to develop integrated design as a creative-iterative and explorative process. This within a sustainable-tectonic framework and related to the synthesis of spatial-aesthetic experience, form, material, structure and fabrication into a smaller building design of architectural quality. In this course, there is a specific focus on exploring the relationship between structure and material. Parametric design tools thus support the definition of advanced geometry, and the interaction between geometry and structural-material analysis. Issues of fabrication are considered in the context of computation, parametric modelling and rapid prototyping.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Must have knowledge of complex spatial structures, including a sustainable-tectonic understanding of the structural functionality of various construction systems using shells, plates, frames, beams, etc.

• Must have knowledge of computation, simulation and parametric design tools that enable the generation of quick feedback loops from generation of form and performance analysis (structure and material).

• Must have knowledge of how different tectonic design strategies and choices on construction methods, structural typologies and material properties enable sustainable practices and influence spatial-aesthetic experiences.

Skills

• Must be able to use computational thinking and parametric design tools to enable quick feedback loops between geometric exploration of form and performance analysis including structural and material parameters.

• Must be able to make a structural analysis of complex spatial structural systems, and relate this to a sustainable-tectonic perspective and desired spatial-aesthetic experience.

• Must be able to use advanced numerical tools for structural and material analysis of advanced structural systems.

Competences

• Can create a synthesis of architectural, structural and material requirements in smaller scale buildings, by using parametric design tools that support the definition and control of advanced geometry, digital fabrication and performance analysis.
• Can independently and critically reflect on how the choice of structural typology, construction method, and material use influence sustainable practices. 

Type of instruction

Types of instruction are listed in § 17; Structure and contents of the programme

Exam

Exams

Name of exam	Advanced Integrated Design III-A: Critical-experimental Studies in Computation and Performance-aided Design to Support Sustainable-tectonic Design Thinking
Type of exam	Oral exam based on a project
ECTS	5
Permitted aids	See semester description
Assessment	7-point grading scale
Type of grading	Internal examination
Criteria of assessment	The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures