After successful completion of the course, students are able to plan the use of new materials in modern architecture based on their properties and areas of application. Furthermore, the students know the basics for parametric and algorithmic design processes.

n contrast to the materials science lecture (in the Bachelor of Architecture) and materials in construction (Bachelor of Civil Engineering), this course does not deal with standard building materials, but with modern materials in connection with parametric planning. The topics "materials" and "parametric planning" are to be brought together.

A familiar approach to structural design is the construction of models, which are then tested for their load-bearing capacity with given material properties. In several iteration steps, geometry, material and design approach a suitable solution step by step. Pioneers such as Antonio Gaudi, Heinz Isler and Frei Otto reversed this approach early on. Often, their considerations did not begin with the form itself, but with material experiments that were able to develop their geometry from the given framework conditions. Suspension models were built, for example, in which loads were attached in the form of weights. With each change in these load cases, these suspension models also changed and took on ideal shapes. Each variation, represents a model with pure traction. The inversion of these forms logically leads to constructions that theoretically formed only normal forces and therefore very powerful forms. From today's point of view, one could understand this process as a parametric form-finding process. What is fascinating about it is that the form develops out of the requirement.

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Today, a wide range of digital tools enrich our repertoire as planners and designers. The aim of the course is to teach, explore and further develop contemporary form-finding processes using parametric and algorithmic tools, as well as physical material experiments. How can we develop constructions out of material today? How do material properties alter the resulting forms? How can we observe, understand, comprehend and ultimately use the interaction between material and form?

Contents are: high-strength concretes and steels, facade materials, glass, lightweight construction and wood materials, furthermore: Rhino, Grasshoper, Blender3d, solidThinking Inspire, evolutionary optimisation (Galapagos, Karamba), introduction to neural networks

Load test on a 3D model (on the last day)

Lecturers are Karl Deix and Christoph Müller (expert consultant for the creation of 3D models).
 


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News 28.9.2021:

In order to facilitate better time management, the dates will be changed to a block format.

This means that the regular dates on Wednesdays will be dropped, except for an introductory date on 13.10, and a total of 3 - 4 blocks will be held in December and January. (Registration in the TISS is still in progress). Laboratory tests are then also possible in February or later.

It should be added that individual questions on the planned topics can also be addressed.

Best regards
K.Deix, C. Müller

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Creation of a 3D model, performance of a load test in the laboratory, submission of the results in the form of a project paper and final presentation.

 

Bachelor