Interactive conceptual design of structural forms
AR-483 / 3 credits
Teacher:
Language: English
Summary
The class exposes students to the geometric design of material efficient architectural structures. The focus is placed on the conceptual exploration of a rich, diverse solution set. Hand-controlled methods and parametric tools are used, as well as strategies to rapidly take key decisions.
Content
- Introduction to the value of structural geometry towards the architectural project;
- Introduction to the role of design-oriented assumptions in engineering;
- Strategies for selecting and transforming load-bearing systems;
- Principles of structural design-oriented physical models;
- Formal explorations using graphic statics and force paths;
- Introduction to parametric modelling and form-finding tools;
- Historical illustrations of interactive structural design exploration.
Keywords
- Architectural structures
- Interactive conceptual design
- Force shaping
- Ressource-efficiency
- Parametric design
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
EPFL bachelor classes on statics, structural design or equivalent.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Choose a structural system that is relevant to given architectural, technical and environmental contexts
- Sketch a wide variety of structural forms that originally address specific issues
- Infer the geometric degrees of freedom in a given structural typology
- Use a computational tool for graphical parameterization
- Identify structural solutions that require less material for construction
- Modify a structural solution to enhance its mechanical behavior
Transversal skills
- Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
- Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.
- Plan and carry out activities in a way which makes optimal use of available time and other resources.
- Set objectives and design an action plan to reach those objectives.
Teaching methods
- Lectures on board or slides
- Discussions based on readings
- Theoretical and hands-on exercises, in class and homework assignments
Expected student activities
Regular work throughout the full semester and interaction in the class room.
Assessment methods
The class is punctuated by three assignments (15%) and one conceptual design project (35%). The final oral exam is worth the remaining 20%.
Resources
Bibliography
Form and Forces / Allen & Zalewski
Ressources en bibliothèque
Notes/Handbook
Slides and readings will be published on Moodle.
Moodle Link
Prerequisite for
Projet de master
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Interactive conceptual design of structural forms
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Interactive conceptual design of structural forms
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Interactive conceptual design of structural forms
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
Reference week
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | |
| 8-9 | |||||
| 9-10 | |||||
| 10-11 | |||||
| 11-12 | |||||
| 12-13 | |||||
| 13-14 | |||||
| 14-15 | |||||
| 15-16 | |||||
| 16-17 | |||||
| 17-18 | |||||
| 18-19 | |||||
| 19-20 | |||||
| 20-21 | |||||
| 21-22 |
Légendes:
Lecture
Exercise, TP
Project, other