Option PDA 4

Code:

OPT4-PDA2020

Acronym:

OPT4-PDA2020

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Architecture

Instance: 2020/2021 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Arquitectura (A)
Course/CS Responsible:	Doctoral Program in Architecture

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
PDA	2	PDA 2020 Official	1	-	3	12	81

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

In recent years, the evolution and dissemination of digital technologies (DT) are transforming the conditions for the development of architectural practice. We have reached a point where DT can interfere at any stage in the design process, from design to construction, through analysis, simulation, communication, and manufacturing.

In this context, the main objective of this course is to introduce reference practices of contemporary architecture that use a digital approach to integrate all dimensions of the design project development.

 

Learning outcomes and competences

 

According to the stated objectives, it is intended to train students with theoretical and practical knowledge and skills that allow:

(A) Understand the historical framework and state-of-the-art of DT in architecture

(B) Critically assess its impact and innovation on the conditions, methodologies and results of the project

(C) Formulate integrated project strategies to face contemporary, local and global challenges

Working method

B-learning

Program

1. ON TECHNOLOGY
1.1 Historical framework - from analog to digital
1.2 Digital design - computerization, computation
1.3 Digital analysis - structural, energetic, environmental
1.4 Digital manufacturing and construction - additive, subtractive, formative
1.5 Emerging technologies: robotics, interactivity, digitization, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence

2. ON PROCESS
2.1 Methodological review: 3D, convergence, non-linearity
2.2 Opportunities: personalization, performance, participation, collaboration
2.3 Integrated project: computation, BIM, CIM

3. ON PRACTICE
3.1 Contemporary challenges - sustainability, globalization, automation, participation
3.2 Contemporary integrated design practices – case studies
3.3 Practical experimentation of the digital process
3.4 What project and what architecture?

Mandatory literature

Aksamija, A.; Integrating Innovation in Architecture. Design, Methods and Technology for Progressive Practice and Research, John Wiley & Sons, 2016
Beorkrem, C.; Material Strategies in Digital Fabrication, Routledge, 2017
Carpo, M. (Ed.); The Digital Turn in Architecture 1992-2012, AD Reader. Wiley, 2013
Deamer, P., Bernstein, PG (Eds.); Building (in) the Future: Recasting Labor in Architecture, New York: Princeton Architectural Press., 2010
Deutsch, R.; Superusers: design technology specialists and the future of practice, Routledge, 2019
Branko Kolarevic; Architecture in the digital age. ISBN: 0-415-38141-X
Marble, S (Ed.) ; Digital Workflows in Architecture, Taylor & Francis, 2012
Menges, A (Ed.) ; Computational Design Thinking, London: John Wiley & Sons, 2011
Pfammater, U.; Building the Future. Building Technology and Cultural History from the Industrial Revolution until Today., Munich: Prestel, 2008
Picon, A.; Digital Culture in Architecture, Basel: Birkhauser, 2010

Teaching methods and learning activities

The Syllabus 3 sections are organized to achieve the proposed objectives and expected learning outcomes. Together, they all contribute to the main objective supporting a theoretical, critical, and practical understanding of the course subject - Architectural Design and Digital Technology.

More particularly:

• Section 1 “On Technology” supports Objective/Learning outcome (A) - it introduces a historical framework on the introduction of digital technologies in architecture, and presents, in an individualized way, the most relevant digital technologies for architectural practice


• Section 2 “On Process” supports the Objective/Learning outcome (B) - it promotes critical analysis and debate on the consequences of these processes on the conditions, methodologies, and results of the project


• Section 3 “On Practice” supports the Objective/Learning outcome (C) - it examines reference practices in contemporary architecture and discusses its relationship with opportunities and challenges for the present and future of the profession

The program is developed in 3 theoretical-practical sessions of 4 hours. Considering the programmatic topics, it organizes moments of:

• Theoretical presentation by teachers


• Lectures by invited experts


• Critical presentation and discussion between/with students


• Evaluation

Throughout the semester students will have to develop original written work related to the topics covered in Section 3 of the Program.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	30,00
Trabalho escrito	70,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	46,00
Frequência das aulas	12,00
Trabalho escrito	23,00
Total:	81,00

Eligibility for exams

To obtain a successful attendance, students must enroll and participate, at least, in two 4-hour sessions, one of which must be the 3rd session.

Calculation formula of final grade

PP x 30% + TE x 70%

PP - participation
TE - written assignement

Observations

Depending on the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and, depending on the guidelines of the Direcção Geral de Saúde, we may have to adopt a temporary e-learning model.