Start semester
40 547 ACDL
Full course name in Norwegian Bokmål:
ACDL
Credits:
24
Course code:
40 547
Level of study:
Master
Teaching semester:
2022 Autumn
Assessment semester:
2022 Autumn
Language of instruction:
English
Year:
2022
Maximum number of students:
16
Person in charge
Søren S. Sørensen
Required prerequisite knowledge
Admission to AHO and successful completion of three years bachelor level studies (180 ECTS).
Preliminary skills in computational design is advisory.
Course content
The ACDL studio (Advanced Computational Design Laboratory) is a project studio which seeks to discuss and investigate how new technology and engineering contributes to shaping the architecture of the future.
We strongly believe that architects of today need to keep up with, and master some of the vast possibilities of computational tools. At the same time we place great importance in nurturing the classical tools in the Architects toolbox; such as hand sketches and model building. You cannot move forward if you don’t know where you came from, and oscillating between analog and digital unlocks the biggest potential for finding creative solutions to architectural challenges.
ACDL offers a holistic approach to architecture with a strong emphasis on computational design, technology and parametrics. We teach the students to investigate architecture and space through an iterative process, and through disciplinary/interdisciplinary collaboration. We also put great importance on investigating effective and professional ways to convey our ideas to others, be it through partidiagrams, models, sketches, VR/AR, video, renderings.. or something else all together!
We wish to offer an arena to those who have renegade ideas that can challenge conventional thinking, or who find themselves drawn towards the less well trodden paths within our field. Academia has a great responsibility in encouraging imaginative and innovative ways to create architecture. Our ambition is to build up ACDL as a strong platform for practicing and research on how new technology can enrich the architects toolbox, and lead to novel architectural expressions.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
- of the architectural and computational design themes pursued by the
- studio.
- of associative modelling.
- of tools for analysis and simulation relating to building performance.
- of successful built examples of equivalent projects.
- of advanced architectural visualization.
Skills:
- in computational design in architecture.
- in utilizing associative modelling systems for architectural design.
- in using simulations, analysis tools and advanced visualization as part of the design process.
- in reflective thinking and evaluation as a tool for developing design ideas within the design process.
General competence:
- The ability to develop designs based on specific performative criteria in an integrated manner from the conceptual stage to the material articulation through computational design.
- The ability to set up and follow through a design process that leads to the desired result.
- The ability to utilize design as a method of research in architecture that facilitates the conception of novel architectural designs.
Working and learning activities
Initial short exercises with defined topics related to the main assignment leading to interim deliveries. The exercises are aimed to gradually work up a field of studies to be utilized in the main assignment; a design proposal in context.
2/3 of the semester will be for the main assignment. The studio will focus on iterative design processes to test and evaluate performative aspects of designs in relation to spatial and functional demands. The research by design will be done through a range of computational methods and tools based on the focus of each topic and design project in the studio. The topics of the studio narrow the focus, while allowing the students to do in-depth investigations simultaneously. The intention is to help the students develop their own design methodology while bridging analog processes and digital tools.
Research and analysis:
- Research report with site analysis
Design process:
- Process journal with screenshot documentation of the design development, photos of sketch models and rapid prototypes
Digital presentations:
- Program and concept diagrams
- Site / Landscape plan
- Plans with immediate surroundings
- Sections with immediate surroundings
- Elevations with immediate surroundings
- Structural diagrams / typical construction details
- Material board
- Renderings and animations
- Simulations
- Other axo drawings and diagrams
- Standalone executable VR visualization
Printed delivery:
- Presentation boards to include most relevant drawings, diagrams, renderings and project description.
- Booklet with additional information to complement the boards.
- Process book
Physical presentation models:
- Sketch models
- Site / landscape model
- Project model
| Mandatory coursework | Courseworks required | Presence required | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presence required | Required | Attendance and participation in the interim deliveries and presentations is mandatory. |
| Form of assessment | Grouping | Grading scale | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project assignment | Individual | Pass / fail |