Experimental Structural Design and Computation

Design usually follows a linear path from early conceptual developments to execution and fabrication. The digitalization of the design process enables the integration of simulation tools to the earlier stages of design, increasing the understanding of the designers on the structural behavior and design performance from early on. Consequently, the designers can easily access interdisciplinary knowledge and incorporate this in their design. Through this integration, a multi-scalar approach to design emerges. In this multi-scalar workflow, different aspects involving structural, environmental performance as well as fabrication constraints are considered in the initial phase of the design process.

This scientific course investigates this digital chain in order to motivate the students to develop interdisciplinary design thinking from design to production. Consequently, the students will learn to develop holistic design methods constructing feedback loops in between different stages of the design process. Along with the course, advanced simulation and optimization methods will be introduced to students to construct an interface between materialization and design. The main focus will be on the design for robotic assembly. The students will be asked to develop compression structures that can be robotically fabricated. The course tutors lay high importance on a holistic understanding of design and fabrication as a holistic process. Therefore presence is of high importance.