CITA Research Projects

By investigating the underlying logic and computational infrastructures of advanced information modelling, Complex Modelling fundamentally asks what the future of architectural representation can look like. Highly interdisciplinary involving expertise from computer science and engineering it examines key concepts such as adaptive parametrisation, open topologies, machine learning. Complex Modelling is a key resource informing many parallel research efforts in CITA. A central current project is the Sapere Aude research project also named Complex Modelling. 

Investigates the consequences of digital fabrication on the design of new structural and material systems. Digital Formations links advanced modelling to fabrication. By understanding the relationship between representation and fabrication as a fundamental architectural enquiry, Digital Formations asks how new programmable design and advanced robotic manufacturing will radically change architectural design. Digital Formations includes key collaborations with industry partners from architectural design practice and fabrication industries. 

Examines the design of programmable structures that respond to their environment. In the last decade the fabric of architecture has been radically expanded through the integration of sensing and actuation enabling the design of responsive behaviours. The field of Behaving Architectures includes collaborations with a variety of fields including robotic, interaction design and mechanical engineering. 

Examines how architecture can integrate low scale material specification and new design protocols needed to control these. Formerly an integrated part of Behaving Architecture, Designed Materials questions what happens when architects become the designers of materials as well as artefacts, what are the new design protocols that are needed and how can we envisage, design and implement highly defined materials with graded performances. The new focus area emerges from key research efforts in CITA over the last decade including the Textile Architecture project and DMMD (Designing Materials, Materialising Design) post doc. 

Explores the design hybrid spaces that join digital and physical dimensions focusing on interface design, dynamic interactive environments and intelligent programming paradigms.