Integrated Digital Tools II_SS 16

SS 16 – ‘Light & Shadows’ – A Prototype for a Transportable Pavilion

Lecturer: Jean-Lucien Gay & Silvan Oesterle
School: Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio
Date: Spring Semester 2016

The master class explores the architectural potential of advanced computational techniques for design and gives an outlook on how they are being applied in related fields, from architecture to arts, visual communication and furniture design. The course is built upon an iterative process between analog experimentation and design computation. It uses the 3D CAD software Rhino with Grasshopper – a plug-in for visual programming.

Computational techniques are first introduced through physical modeling processes. The students proceed through a series of design exercises from model building to computation and back. Eventually, the students develop programming logic from these exercises and use this to create their own custom computational design tools. Subsequently, the course integrates specific digital fabrication knowledge into the computational design strategy. A novel convergence of computation and materialization is facilitated, bringing the process of design and the physical realization of architecture closer together.

The master class includes a series of theoretical lectures providing a glimpse at the avant-garde research in the field of computational architecture as well as a look at the innovative use of computer technologies in contemporary design practice, from urban planning to digital fabrication processes.

Students:
Carlon Giulio*
Casalini Tommaso*
Gandini Giovanni Arjuna*
Garabelli Federica*
Guerriero Mike*
Henestrosa Philipp
Marzo Stefano*
Mather Oscar*
Matthews Hannah Elizabeth*
Minussi Alessandro*
Panighetti Deborah
Prendeville Tomas*
Tentori Pietro*
Valsangiacomo*

*selected student works

Photographs: © Jean-Lucien Gay