Constructive Geometry

Code:

30310B3

Acronym:

30310B3

Instance: 2009/2010 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	http://geometriaconstrutiva-0910.blogspot.com/
Responsible unit:	Desenho (D)
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Master Degree in Architecture

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIARQ	19	MIARQ	3	-	3	-

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To explore the role of geometry in the generative and constructive processes in architecture, by investigate its relation with the emergent digital technologies.

By extending the knowledge acquired in the “Geometry” and “Geometry and Architecture” courses, and using advanced digital representation processes, it is intended to develop theoretical and practical skills that allow the students:
•Understanding geometry as a guiding path to develop the project from its conception to its construction;
•Realizing how the computer allows the exploration of an expanded world of design possibilities, sustaining a high degree of representation control and a critical consciousness about the constructive implications.
•Deducing the digital representation methodologies behind the generation of architectural buildings characterized by complex geometries and non-standard constructive solutions.
•Formulating and implementing personal digital strategies for the conception and materialization of architectural solutions that would be very hard to represent by means of the traditional processes of geometric representation.

Program

1. GEOMETRIC PRINCIPLES
1.1 Elements: definition and criteria for the classification of curves, surfaces and solids.
1.2 Geometric relations and transformations.
1.3 Invariants and geometries.
2. GEOMETRIC MODELING AND COMPUTATION
2.1 Geometry and the computer: the implications of a new tool and media.
2.2 Digital representation (CAD): Surface modeling vs. solid modeling. Explicit modeling, parametric modeling, generative and evolutionary computation.
2.3 Digital engineering (CAE): The finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), environmental analysis.
2.4 Digital manufacturing (CAM): The computer numerical control (CNC). Additive, subtractive and formative fabrication technologies. Emergent robotic technologies for building construction.
2.5 Introduction to digital modeling and computation with Rhinoceros.
3. CONSTRUCTIVE GEOMETRY
3.1 The role of geometry in contemporary architecture. Analysis of case-studies in practice that reveal the formal, structural and performative implications (free-form, variability, adaptability)
3.2 Themes and problems of constructive geometry: planar, ruled, developable and double curved surfaces. 2D and 3D formal and spatial structures. Parametric components.
3.3 From conception to materialization: digital methods (top-down) for subdivision, rationalization, analysis, unfolding and geometric construction.
3.4 From component to design: digital methods (bottom-up) for a design approach based on the definition of parametric components.

Mandatory literature

Barr, Stephen; Experiments in Topology, Dover Publications, 1964
Critchlow Keith; Order in space
Devlin, Keith; Mathematics, The Science of Patterns, Scientific American Library/Owl Book , 2003
Emmerich, D.G; Course in Constructive Geometrie, University of Washington, 1970
Hilbert, D.; Geometry and Imagination, Chelsea Publishing, 1952
Kalay Yehuda E.; Architecturec2b4s new media. ISBN: 0-262-11284-1
Kolarevic, B./Malkawi, Ali M. (Eds.) ; Architecture in the Digital Age. Design and Manufacturing, Spon Press, 2005
Oliveira Fernando Manuel Cortes Lisboa; Desenho de arquitectura assistido por computador. ISBN: 972-9483-27-2
Mitchell, W.J./McCullough, M.; Digital Design Media, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1995
Pottman, Helmut/Asperl, Andreas/Hofer, Michael/Kilian, Axel ; Architectural Geometry, Bentley Institute Press, 2007
Schodek, Daniel/Bechthold, Martin/Griggs, Kimo/Kao, Kenneth M.,/Steinberg, M.; Digital Design and Manufacturing, CAD/CAM Applications in Architecture and Design, John Wiley and Sons, 2005

Teaching methods and learning activities

The curriculum will be developed by combining theoretical and practical processes in weekly classes with 3 hours. To introduce and research some of the most fundamental themes, there will be 3 theory classes throughout the semester, each one taught by a specific professor. The other 14 classes will have a practical dimension, being sometimes complemented by short theory sessions.

Software

Rhinoceros (modelação digital)
Grasshoppers (plug-in de programação visual)

keywords

Technological sciences > Architecture
Physical sciences > Mathematics > Geometry
Technological sciences > Architecture > Design > Computer-aided design

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Description	Type	Time (hours)	Weight (%)	End date
Attendance (estimated)	Participação presencial	10,00
practical short assignements	Teste	15,00		2010-05-28
Final Work	Trabalho escrito	26,00		2010-06-25
	Total:	-	0,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Description	Type	Time (hours)	End date
Study and research	Estudo autónomo	29	2010-06-25
	Total:	29,00

Eligibility for exams

To be approved, the student must attend a minimum of 75% of the estimated classes, and get a minimum mark of 9,5 resulting from his participation in the class and the accomplishment of the practical short-assignments and final work.

Calculation formula of final grade

The final classification will be the average calculation of its participation in the class (20%), and the accomplishment of the practical short-exercises (30%) and the final work (50%).

Classification improvement

There is the possibility to improve the final work until 15 days after the publication of its classification.

Observations

Optional unit of the 2nd semester; without mandatory class precedents.