Course syllabus for Computational geometric design

Course syllabus adopted 2024-02-13 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameBeräkningsbaserad geometrisk design
  • CodeMVE685
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPSEB
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyArchitecture and Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • DepartmentMATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 22128
  • Maximum participants20 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0123 Project 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

Linear algebra in 3 dimensions (dot products, cross products, matrices, determinants) and experience with programming.

Aim

The course furthers the students' knowledge in 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 geometrical form.

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

Knowledge and understanding
  • Describe basic concepts of geometry applied in architectural and structural design.
  • 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 geometrical 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 the design process.
  • Critically relate their own work in the course to a larger issue that concerns applications of geometry in architectural and structural design.

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 the design of complex structural forms.

Organisation

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

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 are presented verbally and in a report.

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.