Arch541 - Geometrical Modeling

 
 
It is possible to argue that the modern practice of architecture has its roots at the end of the 15th century when Brunelleschi, Alberti and others revolutionized the representation of three-dimensional space in two-dimensions. With the advent of perspective and the systemization of other drawing conventions in plan and section that it requires, for the first time it became possible to translate and communicate spatial intentions accurately as a precursor to construction. Design as such, defined as conception and planning, becomes possible as a coherent discipline.

We are now on the verge of a new revolution in architectural representation and prediction. Quietly, it is becoming possible to evaluate the dimensions of architectural experience through a dynamic and highly specific media. For the first time, we are able to understand a building's quantitative dimensions as well as its physical ones, as a progression over time. As no architecture exists in static time, this is becoming an increasingly valuable course of inquiry.

This course will introduce students to the state-of-the art of two emerging computer-based building analysis tools. We will use these tools to evaluate building in terms of thermal and luminous characteristics. We will then use these tools to inform the design of a small building of our own which has been required to meet a set of real-world criteria.

This is a class about technology, but it is not so much about learning a specific technology. Though we will necessarily spend a bit of time learning how to operate the tools at our disposal, the focus of the class is going to be on the use and application of these technologies to real-world design situations.

The class will consist of both lectures in Room 158 and lab sessions in Room 139.

There will be one semester long design assignment given in the course which will require a final presentation. At various points throughout the semester, intermediate presentations of your work will be required and assessed.

Grading for the class will be based upon the success of your design in meeting the established energy and other design criteria, and your use of the technology at hand to achieve and represent this design.