acg v2.0

poster
AA DLAB 2008 Aleksandra Wasilkowska, Gerald Russelman, Milena Stopic

Advanced Computational Geometry

A seminar dedicated to furthering the techniques and concepts of algorithmic processes as means for design, as well as geometry rationalization for fabrication. Rhino/VbScript will be employed as the primary environment within which to pursue the research.At present computational techniques are predominantly received as artifacts employed in the optimization, rationalization or surface decoration of more traditionally created wholes. This research will instead focus on the inherent potential of computation to generate space. Students, working in groups of 2 or 3, will create their own custom algorithms leading to the fabrication of working prototypes appropriate to their research trajectories.
The focus is not merely on a demonstration of proficiency in various skills and techniques, but rather the positioning of the project as a contribution to the larger architectural discussion, which supports the value of computational methodologies. The critical parameter in this workshop will be to demonstrate the potential beyond finite forms of explicit and parametric modeling towards more dynamic algorithmic processes.The creation of algorithms to enable and expedite physical fabrication [panelizing, unfolding, the creation of cutting files, numbering etc.] will occupy a significant portion of the courses attention. The interaction between the seminar and design studio projects is encouraged.
This seminar will accommodate both introductory and advanced levels. No previous scripting experience is required. It will consist of a series of introductory sessions, obligatory intensive workshops, lectures followed by suggested readings, and will gradually focus on individual projects.

Students:

Alejandra Obregon
Andrew Bloomfield
Anna Perelman
Bridgett Cruz
Chelsea Lipham
Dean Levin
Dong Joo Kim
Erik Martinez
Eunice Koo
Guillermo Bernal
Guneun Kim
Hynn Jae Nam
Kyle Harrington
Nathan Abbe
Nopawan Pansiri
Patrick Donbeck
Peechaya Mekasuvanraj
Rachel Hazes
Richard Colwell
Scott Segal
Takuma Kakehi
Todd DeVito
Victor Alenar
Yaakov Eisenberg

Introduction to Programming: Variables, Loops, Functions

Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities, and Software by Steven Johnson
Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter
Non-Organic Life by Manuel De Landa

Cellular Automata (elementary software): Conditionals, Game Of Life

A New Kind of Science by Stephen Wolfram
The Origin of Language: Biology, Information Theory, & Thermodynamics by Michel Serres
The Turing Dimension by Karl Chu

Parameterization (using equations): Curves, Surfaces, Components, Rates of Change

The History of π by Petr Beckman
The Graphic Work of M.C. Escher
Siteless 1001 Building Forms by Francois Blanciak
Calculus-Based Form: An Interview with Greg Lynn by Ingeborg M Rocker

Vectors (forces): Normals, Attractors, Deformation, Cusps, Blebs

Animate Form by Greg Lynn
On Growth and Form by D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson
Matter and Motion by James Clerk Maxwell

Fractals (flora): Recursion, Substitution, L-systems

The Computational Beauty of Nature: Computer Explorations of Fractals, Chaos,
Complex Systems, and Adaptation by Gary William Flake
AD Vol76 Issue 2 Techniques and Technologies in Morphogenetic Design by Michael Hensel

Agent Systems (fauna): Particle Systems, Boids, Crowds, Swarms, Slime Mold

Structural Stability And Morphogenesis by Rene Thom
Crowds and Power by Elias Canetti
Simulations by Jean Baudrillard

Networks (topological diagrams): Diffusion Limited Aggregation, Spring Systems

Introduction to Graph Theory by Richard J. Trudeau
Network Fever by Mark Wigley
AD Vol76 Issue 5 Collective intelligence by Chris Perry and Christopher Hight

Polytopes (tessellation elements): Meshes, Space-Filling Polyhedra, Hyper-Dimensional Geometry, Convex Hull

Shadows of Reality: The Fourth Dimension in Relativity, Cubism, and Modern Thought by Tony Robbin
Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott
Pamphlet Architecture 27: Tooling by Benjamin Aranda, Chris Lasch, Cecil Balmond, and Sanford Kwinter

Stochastic Processes (non-deterministic): Genetic Algorithms, Evolutionary Programming, Ghost Diagrams

Music and Architecture by Iannis Xenakis & Sharon Kanach
Deleuze and the Use of the Genetic Algorithm in Architecture by Manuel De Landa
Metaphysics of Genetic Architecture and Computation by Karl Chu

Geometry Rationalization (fabrication drawings): Clean-Up, Projection, Panelizing, Unfolding, Numbering, Nesting

When Code Matters by Ingeborg M Rocker
Earth Moves: The Furnishing of Territories by Bernard Cache, Michael Speaks, and Anne Boyman
Projective Geometry by H.S.M. Coxeter
Codes, Eros and Craft: An Interview with Evan Douglis by Mike Silver