Interactive conceptual design of structural forms

AR-483 / 3 credits

Teacher:

Language: English

Remark: Cours biennal, donné les années paires

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
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Interactive conceptual design of structural forms
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Interactive conceptual design of structural forms
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 12 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

Related courses

Results from graphsearch.epfl.ch.