To provide students with the theoretical, practical and technological knowledge associated with the architectural design process with focus on the historical evolution of the different computational design methods. To These types of knowledge will provide the student with the vehicle by which they can scrutinise the real impact of computational design and critically investigate its true potential in current and future architectural practice.

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the theory of the architectural design process, including the complexity of design problems, and the different methods applied in conventional design.

(LO2) Students will be able to scrutinise the different computational design methods; their history, current state and future.

(LO3) Students will be able to investigate the real impact and the true potential of the different computational design methods, and the barriers and challenges associated with the implementation of those methods in architectural practice.

(LO4) Students will be able to demonstrate familiarity with the applications of computational design in real project scenarios within case study research.

(S1) Research skills.

(S2) Critical thinking and analysis.

(S3) Independent learning skills.

(S4) Written communication skills.

(S5) Graphical communication skills.

(S6) Smart Modelling (BIM and Parametric).

Week 01: Introduction to the module and assignment brief
Week 02: Theory of the architectural design process (complexity, ambiguity, and wickedness of design problems in conventional design methods)
Week 03: Evolution of Computational Design Methods (Algorithmic/Generative Design and Performative Design)
Week 04: Theory of Parametric Design
Week 05: Visual Scripting and Parametric Modelling
Week 06: Digital Fabrication
Week 07: Recent Phenomena in Computational Design
Week 08: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Design
Weeks 09, 10 & 11 Computational Design in Practice (Guests)
Week 12: Wrap-up and Coursework Support

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Lectures and presentations will be delivered by academic staff and guest speakers from the industry, which will be aligned to real-world problems and experiences, from both national and international contexts. Guest lectures will provide viewpoints and insights of different project partners (designers, engineers, planners, etc.)

Teaching Method 2 – Seminar/Webinar
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Seminars will encourage student engagement with the lecture topic and will provide an interactive medium for discussion and debate. Seminars will engage students in a variety of activities (e.g. case studies, fieldwork) and discussion of integrated design, lean and BIM issues.

Teaching Method 3 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials will aim to provide formative feedback to the students on their case studies and presentations to guide their research as a team.Attendance Recorded: Yes

The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience. Guest lectures, if required, can be online if the guest lecturer cannot attend in person. Wherever online engagement (TEAMS, ZOOM) is deemed to be beneficial (i.e. extra support sessions, assignment support, etc) they will be utilised.