Metabolic Architecture Studio

Abstract

Metabolic Architecture studio is an intensive design program that focuses on designing a design process by means of algorithms. The course is based on understanding the process of building a shape by means of digital sculpting, translating a standard 3D modelling process into grasshopper vocabulary and then automating it to interpolate infinite design iterations as solutions driven by variables while documenting design problems for further use. The studio also involves understanding the relation between design - analysis – fabrication, and to synthesize a workflow that combines these three cornerstones of an architectural workflow.

The course is carefully crafted for beginners and advanced users of computational tools alike. It doesn’t matter if you are someone who has no prior knowledge of visual programming or scripting and want to start from the scratch. Alternatively, if you’re already somewhat experienced, and you want to know methods to enhance your computational workflows, we also cover advanced techniques to script complex algorithms and automate design solutions.

What is Parametric Design and Why is it a good fit for me?

Computational design is the application of computational tools and strategies to the design process. Traditional design process relies on intuition and experience to solve design problems, computational design on the other hand aims to enhance that process by encoding design decisions using a computer language. The design approach thus relies on designing the process rather than the final product.

Computational design is most commonly implemented by using a coupling of a 3d Modelling environment and a visual programming interface. Although traditional text-based scripting is preferred for more control and possibilities, visual programming software such as Grasshopper and Dynamo is considered more user friendly and intuitive.

Computational design is also seen as an iterative design approach, and thus balances excellently within the domain of analysis-design-fabrication. Thus you would often find a computational designer often implementing digital fabrication in their design workflow.  

What will you Learn in this Design Studio?

Apart from providing the basic and advanced skill training in digital sculpting with Rhinoceros 6, visual programming with Grasshopper and  Environment analysis with Ladybug, the course will upgrade your design skills to be able to design with algorithms to solve complex design problems. The course will create a major boost in your design output from concept to details.

The course will also expose you to Avant-garde design practices, techniques and workflows which you can easily incorporate in your existing design workflow. The course seeks to propagate the digital, computational, process-driven design strategies which will certainly prove to be a game changer in your career.

Why is it Important to know Computational Design?

In the forever evolving design industry, technology can be considered as the currency. It can’t be further stressed how important an advanced tool can be in the forever increasing design demands, challenges and competition. 

With the looming pressure of upcoming AI intervention into design, understanding and application of Computational Design becomes essential. Moreover, these tools are now quite mainstream and can be an important in any scale or stage of design, to save time, energy and money.