Digital Design: Algorithms and Scripts I & II
GSD 2107M3/M4, Lecture, Spring

The course aims at investigating and exploring the systems, processes, and techniques of computational design in the context or research and practice. The purpose is to develop algorithms and scripts that encapsulate the processes that assist in the development of architectural program, form and structure.

Cinematic Architecture
GSD 2320, Seminar, with Allen Sayegh, Spring 2009

This course focuses on the idea that architecture can be conceived, understood, and presented as a narrative (i.e. a story about a building). Similar to poetry, myth, or story-telling architecture can be conceived not only as a process that spans throughout the design, construction, and occupancy stages of a building but also as a dialectic relationship between people and space. In that context, a narrative is not only an explicit description of a space (i.e. a photo-album or a VR fly-through) but, most importantly, a stage for the exploration of human emotions. The objective is to develop short movies that capture the emotional relationship of humans to their inhabited space as well as the implicit power of space in shaping the emotional status of humans.

Ideas involved in theatrical stage, its evolution into cinematic space, and its recent transformation into interactive virtual spaces will be explored, studied, and developed as reference, context, and inspiration.

Besides offering the technical knowledge to develop films using digital media the course also engages in critical discussions on the ontological nature of films, their power as implicit communicative devises, and their potential as design tools.

Kinetic Architecture
GSD 2309, Seminar, Fall

In architecture, the notion of motion is often represented as an abstract formal configuration that implies relationships of cause and effect. Deformation, juxtaposition, superimposition, absence, disturbance, and repetition, are just few of the techniques used by architects to express virtual motion and change. These approaches are based on the idea that perpetual succession is not only conceived directly through physical motion but also indirectly through formal expression.

Physical motion, other than in doors, windows, elevators, or escalators, is not commonly present in buildings. In fact, the form and structure of the average building suggests stability, steadiness, sturdiness, and immobility. Yet, while motion may suggest agility, unpredictability, or uncertainty it may also suggest change, anticipation, and liveliness.

Challenging past practices, architecture today finds itself in a position to revisit its traditional kinetic aesthetics with new technological innovations. Through the use of sensors, actuators, and micro-controllers, actual controlled motion can be designed, integrated, and implemented in, on, or across buildings. The traditional problematics of motion, stasis, and order are challenged, redefined, and transformed by new spatio-temporal possibilities and strategies opened up through technological innovation, particularly robotic technologies and new approaches to mobility, portability, and nomadic culture.

This course examines the notion of motion in architecture through virtual and physical methods. It seeks to investigate, explore, and propose how motion can be suggested, depicted, or physically incorporated in buildings or structures. The goal is to link past practices related to kinetic form with motion-based emerging technologies in a meaningful way and project into the inherent architectural possibilities.

The area of kinetic architecture, i.e. the integration of motion into the built environment, and the impact such results has upon the aesthetics, design, and performance of buildings may be of great importance to the field of architecture. While the aesthetic value of virtual motion may always be a source of inspiration, its physical implementation in buildings and structures may challenge the very nature of what architecture really is.

Pedagogical Objectives:
The pedagogical value of this course is to serve as a theoretical framework, a technical skill-builder, and a source for design inspiration. The course engages both in theory and practice. The theoretical part explores, discusses, and critically evaluates conceptual approaches to kinetic design. The practical part involves design experimentation and model construction using robotics technologies. The final project involves the design of a building where motion is an essential part of the program.

The course demands a willingness to explore a range of disciplines including architecture as well as mechanics, electronics, and software that are part of the engineering of kinetic environments. The course involves also a laboratory for designing and building working models of kinetic structures. No previous experience with computer hardware or software is required, though the work demands a variety of skills beyond those traditionally found in architecture design studios.

Algorithmic Architecture
GSD 2311, Lecture, Fall

As architecture enters the new era of digital representation, geometrical theories and processes are being implemented, tested, and pushed to their limits. Recent theories of form in architecture have focused on computational methods of formal exploration and expression. From topological geometry and hypersurfaces to blobs and folds, there is a clear tendency to seek and explore formal properties as sources of ordering systems. For the last two decades, designers have been concerned with the use of computational mechanisms for the exploration of formal systems. These practices have attempted to readdress formal issues using new techniques and methods. Computational tools are central protagonists in this exploration.

The dominant mode of utilizing computers in architecture today is that of computerization; entities or processes that are already conceptualized in the designer's mind are entered, manipulated, or stored on a computer system. In contrast, computation or computing, as a computer-based design tool, is generally limited. While research and development of software involves extensive computational techniques, mouse-based manipulations of 3D computer models are not necessarily acts of computation.

Presently, an alternative choice is being formulated: algorithmic architecture. It involves the designation of software programs to generate space and form from the rule-based logic inherent in architectural programs, typologies, building code, and language itself. Instead of direct programming, the codification of design intention using scripting languages available in 3D packages (i.e. Maya Embedded Language MEL, 3DMaxScript, and FormZ 4.0) can build consistency, structure, coherency, traceability, and intelligence into computerized 3D form. By using scripting languages designers can go beyond the mouse, transcending the factory-set limitations of current 3D software.

This course is aimed at investigating and exploring the structures, processes, and theories of computational design. The purpose is to develop algorithms and computational methods that would encapsulate the processes that lead to the generation of meaningful architectural form. Yet, the course does not intend to eliminate traditional 'manual' methods but rather to incorporate a synergy between both computational complexity and creative use of computers.

Design Research Methods
GSD 7330, Seminar, Fall

The purpose of this seminar is to guide doctoral students in the development and preparation of their research proposals. First, it exposes students to various philosophical theories related to their research areas. Second, it introduces methodologies and strategies used in architectural research. Third, it guides students in the development of a literature review and a thesis statement. Finally, the proposed research is discussed and critiqued with faculty advisors and student peers and suggest directions for refinement.

The course involves discussions, lectures, and presentations. Each student is expected to participate in the discussions, critically evaluate relevant theories and research methods, develop a strategic plan, and make a presentation. Out of these presentations and discussions, a detailed research plan for their thesis project emerges.

Instructional Methodology
Students must complete all written and oral assignments to the instructor's satisfaction and actively participate in both the guest directed and student directed discussions in order to pass the seminar.

Advanced Studies in Architectural Computing
GSD 2317, Lecture, Spring 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

The course is an in-depth study into the theories, processes, and structures of computing in architecture. It seeks to develop design projects that illustrate the applicability, value, and potential of computing in addressing, solving, or (re)defining architectural problems. The purpose is to invent computational schemes that encapsulate the processes that lead to the generation of buildings and structures. Furthermore, the course seeks to define, explore, and critically evaluate the aesthetics of computing not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a means for architectural poetics.

The course is a seminar but it is structured as a hybrid lecture/studio. Students are expected not only to develop architectural computing skills but also to be able to articulate, discuss, and criticize theoretical concepts.