Computational Design Theory 1 - CODE1110
Faculty: Built Environment
School: Built Environment
Course Outline: Computational Design
Campus: Sydney
Career: Undergraduate
Units of Credit: 6
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 4
CSS Contribution Charge: 2 (more info)
Tuition Fee: See Tuition Fee Schedule
Further Information: See Class Timetable
View course information for previous years.
Description
This course is part of the practice orientated teaching trajectory ‘Constructing’, Path 1: Computational Design Theory. The course is situated in the ‘Beginner Level’ in the CoDe student specialisation journey and therefore available for enrolment as an elective for all other UNSW undergrad students.
With the “digital turn” in architecture since 1992 as coined by architectural historian Mario Carpo, it is necessary to survey how computational design has emerged from the discipline of architecture and is forcing it into a field of “architectures”. Computational Design Theory sits in between all three practice-orientated teaching trajectories (Place & Technology, Form & Experience, Space & Documentation) and links them together through a theoretical and conceptual understanding developed by thinking and working through theory and practice.
The aim of Computational Design Theory I is to introduce and evaluate the role of Theory in fostering a new way of “constructing” the digital in architecture and the expanded field of creative industries linking representation, fabrication and construction. It will serve as the foundation of the tripartite theory stream, which positions students to the brief history, the concept and theoretical formation of the digital design. It consists of lectures, discussion in tutorials, online learning, and assignments.
In 12 lectures, the course will track a range of the thematic essential to the ‘digital turn’ and link them to the debates within design culture and critical theory. Students will be introduced to a range of theoretical themes: from Alphabet to Algorithm, Folding in Architecture, Nonlineraity, Hypersurfaces, Parametric Thinking vs. Parametricism and so on. Each lecture will be accompanied by the analysis of selected projects. Together with the required weekly readings, these projects present an overview of opportunities for the content and practice of computational design.
Assignments are designed in two folds: 1) develop student’s ability in critical thinking and active theorization for a position through reading, writing and analysing design projects; 2) allow students to practice and explore the skills in software learned from other courses.
With the “digital turn” in architecture since 1992 as coined by architectural historian Mario Carpo, it is necessary to survey how computational design has emerged from the discipline of architecture and is forcing it into a field of “architectures”. Computational Design Theory sits in between all three practice-orientated teaching trajectories (Place & Technology, Form & Experience, Space & Documentation) and links them together through a theoretical and conceptual understanding developed by thinking and working through theory and practice.
The aim of Computational Design Theory I is to introduce and evaluate the role of Theory in fostering a new way of “constructing” the digital in architecture and the expanded field of creative industries linking representation, fabrication and construction. It will serve as the foundation of the tripartite theory stream, which positions students to the brief history, the concept and theoretical formation of the digital design. It consists of lectures, discussion in tutorials, online learning, and assignments.
In 12 lectures, the course will track a range of the thematic essential to the ‘digital turn’ and link them to the debates within design culture and critical theory. Students will be introduced to a range of theoretical themes: from Alphabet to Algorithm, Folding in Architecture, Nonlineraity, Hypersurfaces, Parametric Thinking vs. Parametricism and so on. Each lecture will be accompanied by the analysis of selected projects. Together with the required weekly readings, these projects present an overview of opportunities for the content and practice of computational design.
Assignments are designed in two folds: 1) develop student’s ability in critical thinking and active theorization for a position through reading, writing and analysing design projects; 2) allow students to practice and explore the skills in software learned from other courses.
Study Levels
UNSW Quick Links
