Robotic Fabrication in Architecture
Description
The Master-level course will introduce computational methods for architecture engineering, fabrication & construction, incentivising computational literacy. Students learn the theoretical background and basic implementation details of fundamental data structures and algorithms, and to solve real-world problems using the COMPAS and COMPAS_fab framework, and other open-source libraries.
Learning objectives
- understand the scope and relevance of computational methods for architecture and engineering research and practice,
- the theoretical background of fundamental data structures,
- the basic principles of algorithmic design;
- implement basic versions of prevalent algorithms related to architectural geometry and robotic assembly; and
- use common CAD tools as interfaces to self-implemented solutions.
Overview
This course will be taught by theoretical input, practical examples, exercises, and assignments.
The topics will include:
- Intro Python programming
- Intro COMPAS open-source framework (https://compas-dev.github.io/)
- Intro to geometry processing, data structures, topology, numerical computation
- Domain-specific case studies (i.e., on architectural geometry, robotic assembly)
Sessions
| Sessions | Title | Description | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Getting started | Course overview, Installation, COMPAS intro | Slides |
| 2 | Python basics | Quick start on Python | Slides Assignment |
| 3 | Geometry | COMPAS geometry | Slides Assignment |
| 4 | Data Structures | COMPAS data structures | Slides Assignment |
| 5 | Assembly Information Model | Assembly and Element data structures and algorithms | Slides Assignment |
| 6 | Robotic Fabrication | Robotic assembly process, simulation and control | Slides Assignment |
Requirements
- Windows 10 Professional
- Rhino 6 or 7 / Grasshopper
- Anaconda Python
- Visual Studio Code
- Github Desktop
Dependencies
Environment setup
Please set up your Python environment following these instructions.