e-archidoct DDP (2010)

A virtual campus on Post Master Studies in Architecture

Within the frame of e-archidoct CITA offered two courses named ‘Digital Design Practice’ (DDP). The courses took place in spring semester 2008-2009 during winter semester 2009-2010.

E-archidoct aims to create a virtual environment for post-master educational collaboration within architecture. This environment is put forward in order to provide the transmission of knowledge to a more dynamic involvement in the production and dissemination of new architectural knowledge.

The project is investigating the possibilities to enhance the quality, the efficiency and the impact of doctorate studies offered by the partners and open innovation in architectural practice and issues on the contemporary debate on architecture to a broader audience. Within the e-archidoct project, post-master students from the partner institutions are able to follow the courses which are provided by the same partner institutions free of charge.

Goal
The DDP courses introduce the key concepts and tools in digital design practice in practise and education based on international cases as well as CITA’s own research projects. Examples are parametric software for CAD and CAM, scripting and machinic production within architecture. Known international cases are the work of ‘Renzo Piano Building Workshop’, ‘Zaha Hadid Architects’ or ‘UN studio’ as well as the work of consultants to architect such as the office ‘designtoproduction’. Due to the direct contact to some of those practises, CITA was able to give first hand information to the participants.

By combining the theory with the practical application of digital tools within architecture, the course emphasised on those four key areas: Digital Tectonics, Programming Concepts, Control of Geometry and Open Code.The participating students originated from 5 different countries. The teachers were located in Copenhagen, Denmark and partly in Izmir, Turkey. The teaching was done through life sessions using the AdobeConnect platform offered by Danish Forskningsnettet.

The weekly structure

1st Week
Lecture: Digital Tectonics: Concepts and challenges 
Tutorial: 3D Modelling and Unfolding in Rhino 
Assignment: 3D Modelling and Unfolding in Rhino

2nd Week
Lecture: Programming Concepts: Key Concepts in Parametrics and Programming 
Tutorial: Simple Programming in Processing 
Assignment: 2D Scripting in Processing

3rd Week
Lecture: Control of Geometry: the Writing of Form 
Tutorial: Writing of Form in Processing & Exporting to RhinoScript 
Assignment: 3D Scripting in Processing & Rhino Script Export

4th Week
Lecture:  Open Code: Integrating Information Streams in Architectural Design 
Assignment: Final Assignment: Shelter Design

5th Week
Final Presentation, Discussion and Evaluation.

Student work: examples of use of scripting to generate design variations (Processing).

Screenshot of web-based discussion among students and teachers with participants 5 European countries.