Course syllabus for Architectural geometry

Course syllabus adopted 2022-02-17 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameArkitektur och geometri
  • CodeMVE560
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPARC
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyArchitecture, Architecture and Engineering
  • ThemeArchitectural design project 7.5 c
  • DepartmentMATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 05115
  • Maximum participants15
  • Open for exchange studentsYes
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0119 Project, part A 7.5 c
Grading: TH		 7.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Experience with programming in Matlab or corresponding.

Aim

The course furthers the students' knowledge in architecture and applied geometry through numerical calculation methods as well as computer aided design. The course introduces geometry as a medium for the design, analysis, and manufacture of complex architectural form.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Knowledge and understanding
Describe basic concepts of geometry applied in architecture.
Describe basic concepts of geometry found in modeling software, such as NURBS curves and surfaces, polygon meshes, and subdivision surfaces.

Abilities and skills
Apply numerical calculation methods in architectural design.
Make use of geometry and numerical calculation in order to plan, design, and represent a small, explorative design project.

Ability of assessment and attitude
Promote the value (and joy!) of geometry in architecture.
Critically relate their own work in the course to a larger issue that concerns applications of geometry in architecture.

Content

The course covers coordinate systems, transformations and projections; modeling of curves and surfaces; different kinds of deformations; geometrical systems native to digitization; and adaptation to physical models. In addition, students are required to pursue a design project of limited scope, and a study of a reference project that showcases use of geometry in architecture.

Organisation

The course description and its context are introduced in an introductory lecture. Learning is structured around a series of lectures, demonstrations, assignments and pin-ups. Deliverables are defined at the outset of the course through the assignments and through the final review. Students work in teams.

Literature

Pottmann, Helmut, Andreas Asperl, Michael Hofer, Axel Kilian, and Daril Bentley. Architectural Geometry. Bentley Institute Press, 2007.
Burry, Jane and Mark Burry. The New Mathematics of Architecture. Thames & Hudson, 2012.
Further literature to be announced in the course description.

Examination including compulsory elements

The course is examined in two parts. 1) Assignments are submitted for examination. 2) Student design projects along with reference studies are presented verbally according to requirements outlined in the course description and assessed in a review at Chalmers Department of Architecture. Each student design project and reference study are further reviewed after submission. A minimum of 80% active attendance in scheduled activities is required in order to pass the course.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.