清华大学 THU FALL 2023 Digital Section of “Form and Composition -形态构成” (THU23FA)

Course Overview

“Form and Composition” design studio introduces first-year undergraduate students to the early process of architectural design development, where the focus is to learn the relationship between forms and spatial composition through establishing well-defined design logic. Students can build a solid foundation before continuing their further study in Architecture.

The digital section of this studio is intended specifically for learning the computational methodology of such design processes. The core of computational design is twofold: algorithm and interdisciplinarity. Students are asked to develop a clear definition of algorithms to articulate the logic of their design, which could involve different kinds of geometric rules most of which are derived from multiple Systems. They will test out how each combination of systems will generate new types of forms and spatial composition.

*A system may be defined as: “a set of components to shape a whole” and can be found in various fields of matter and organization ranging from nature to culture and society, among others. As a whole, it can generate something more than a sum of parts.

Classes will be divided into 3 phases: Skills, Theory and Application, Design

Learning Objectives

PHASE Ⅰ: 基础训练 Ⅰ技能- 算法设计工具

SKILLS - ALGORITHMIC DESIGN TOOLS

The first phase primarily focuses on developing proficiency with Grasshopper, a tool for computational design. Through numerous modeling exercises, the emphasis is placed on enabling students to begin experiencing the first core aspect of computational design: the algorithmic modeling design process.

Grasshopper is a part of the modeling software called Rhinoceros, and it is essential for students to have prior knowledge of using Rhino to model basic forms. Due to time constraints, Phase 1 does not include such foundational exercises. However, before the first class, we have scheduled two makeup sessions to allow students who are new to Rhinoceros an opportunity to become acquainted with the content covered in Phase 1.

PHASE Ⅱ: 基础训练Ⅱ 应用和理论  - 系统和跨学性导论

THEORY & APPLICATION - Introduction of System

Phase 2 introduces the concept of Systems, covering the second core aspect of computational design: interdisciplinarity. In this phase, students will learn various basic logics and applications of the "Systems" concept, both conceptually and technically in Grasshopper (GH). This will enable them to understand how rules from different fields of study can be applied as design principles through computational power. For instance, nature has always been a significant source of inspiration for architects, with numerous examples of natural rules applied in the architectural design process.

We will explore four sets of Systems: Field, Aggregation (Tiling, Component, Stochastic), Voronoi, and Network. Each set will be introduced conceptually through lectures, followed by corresponding modeling exercises that involve the use of GH plugins.

PHASE Ⅲ: 形态构成 综合训练 设计原型

DESIGN - Variations of Applied System - Design Prototyping for Form and Compositions

Phase 3 is the central phase of our design studio, where students are required to apply the Systems to their designs to explore the relationship between form and spatial composition. The emphasis here is on developing a design intention as a representation of the quality they aim to achieve computationally in their design. To this end, students are asked to establish a design goal that is simple yet very clear, and then to express their design logic in the form of algorithms. Consequently, this phase aids students in learning how to construct a coherent design logic that connects all crucial design elements: the goal, the rules and strategy, and the outcome.

Methodologically, our design studio adopts a prototyping format, offering students the opportunity to experience a novel design process. Prototyping is a rapid design templating process that enables designers to concentrate on establishing an optimal and effective design solution with feedback. This process involves defining the problem and goal, testing the methodology, and quickly analyzing the results to efficiently achieve what is considered good design.

Student Work List

Semester Schedule

Design Studio Brief

Development Process

Systems and Modeling Methodologies

Gradient / Progressive expression (Field), Spatial partitioning (Voronoi), Components Aggregation (Tiling and Growth), Connectivity (Network), Polygonal Modeling (addition, subtraction), Concaving (Boolean Transformation Union, Difference),  Basic Transformation (rotation, repetition, scaling)

Elements of space: structure, form, relations of spaces, circulation, scale, proportions, etc

Spatial qualities: movement, pause, transition, boundaries, connections, succession of spaces, accessibility, etc.

Overall Assessment

We will assess your work based on 3 important design factors: 1 Skill, 2 Idea (thinking and application), 3 Expression

Final Assignment

Assessment

(1) Relevance and novelty of concept, form/spatial composition;

(2) Design logic from concept to form/spatial composition; Expression and Clarity in algorithm and parameter;

(3) Presentation quality (e.g., graphics, 3d printed model, completeness, oral presentation);

(4) GH code documentation.

Submission Materials and Presentation

The final Assessment is made up of two parts: the final output of your design prototypes in the form of a presentation which will be reviewed in the final pinup on Jan 4th and the submission of the design materials.

※As for the compilation of assignments up to phase 2, I will individually contact you.

Details

1-A PPT should include the following mandatory pages:

1：Title in English

2：Concept in the form of sketches, diagrams, photos

Concept description described in a couple of sentences ( i.g. 30 words in English)

3：Your trials: 3 Prototypes in 3 pages in the template as follows.

4：Final prototype’s algorithm and description in the form of sketches, diagrams, photos with a short description

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Both 3 and 4↑ should include, concept, simple steps/algorithm, formal pattern, parameter and quality/performance of the spatial composition

5：Final prototype’s simple but nice rendering with description ( i.g. 50 words in English)

• preferably in two ways: both in grayscale and use less than 3 materials
• put attention to the camera view angle
• display outline curve if necessary
• shadow

6：Top and elevation view 7：Final prototype’s 3D printing photo with some comments

1-B A3 Poster will be a simpler collection of 1-A

Tools and Partial Bibliography

Tools and Instruction

Bake with Materials 材質と色をベイクする

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我的Grasshopper打开方式1-4

Grasshopper 基础电池

1-7, 11-16

param, sets (list), math, vector

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Modeling examples by previous students at our website.