Parametric Design

Teacher(s)

Stephan André;

Language

English

Main themes

Theory of parametric design
3D modelling in Rhinoceros
Parametrising 3D modelling
Grasshopper
Intro to optimisation: Constraints and objectives
Environmental design
Reflexivity in parametric design

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

This course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to plan, devise, implement and revisit a parametric building design for a given site and for a range of environmental and construction-related considerations. The course uses Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper as well as other plug-ins to equip you with the necessary experience in parametric design. At the end of this course, you will be able to: Plan, devise, implement, test, revisit and critique a parametric design for a given building; Embed a range of constraints and objectives into the parametric environmental design of a building; Present your work in a concise and graphically stimulating manner; Provide constructive feedback to your peers to help them improve their work; and Demonstrate awareness vis-à-vis the latest international developments in parametric architecture and design.

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

This course relies on an active learning approach. As such, teaching is delivered in 3 hours seminars involving an active lecture, discussion and in-class tutorials. The subject requires 30 contact hours and at least 60 hours of work outside class

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

The course content is evaluated throughout the semester and through different means, as per the calendar below:

• Case study of parametric building: Due week 3: in groups of 2 students, prepare one A3 landscape poster of a building designed parametrically, presenting the outcome and the design process, with a critique of the building. (10%)
• Parametric Design Plan: Due week 6: draft report, describing your parametric design approach and how you intend to proceed (mandatory, 0%)
• Peer-review of Parametric Design Plan: Due week 750 words peer-review of the Parametric Design Plan of one of your peers (10%)
• Parametric Design Report: Due week 12, 4000 words report describing your parametric design approach, and including the digital files, to be submitted online (60%)
• Parametric Design Presentation: Presentation about the report and the parametric design approach followed by questions and answers (20%)

Bibliography

Une liste écourtée est présentée ici (des lectures plus spécifiques sont données en classe) :
Design paramétrique avec Rhino et Grasshopper :
Tedeschi, A. (2014). AAD, Algorithms-aided design: parametric strategies using Grasshopper: Le Penseur.
Di Marco, G. (2018). Simplified Complexity: Method for Advanced NURBS Modeling with Rhinoceros®: Le Penseur.
Design paramétrique environnemental :
Hollberg, A., & Ruth, J. (2016). LCA in architectural design—a parametric approach. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 21(7), 943-960. doi:10.1007/s11367-016-1065-1
Stephan, A., Jensen, C. A., & Crawford, R. H. (2017). Improving the Life Cycle Energy Performance of Apartment Units through Façade Design. Procedia Engineering, 196, 1003-1010. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.08.042
Stephan, A., & Crawford, R. H. (2016). The relationship between house size and life cycle energy demand: Implications for energy efficiency regulations for buildings. Energy, 116, Part 1, 1158-1171. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.10.038

Faculty or entity

LOCI