The MSc in Computational Design and Digital Fabrication is offered in collaboration with the University of Innsbruck, Institute for Experimental Architecture Hochbau. The programme explores the relationship between computational tools and architectural design, in an effort to attain a new insight into the relationship between design intent and built form. Prospective participants will have the opportunity to develop computational design skills and acquire hands on cutting-edge fabrication experiences, while cultivating analytical and creative thinking on the applications of computation in design. Furthermore, the programme aims at promoting international exchange of research knowledge, through the connection to the University of Innsbruck and its Robotic Lab (REXLAB) at the Institute for Experimental Architecture. This encourages participants to become part of the global community of computational research in digital fabrication, a growing industry increasingly important for the production of the built environment.
Upon successful completion of this program, the students should be able to:
- Acquire knowledge and expertise in computational design and digital fabrication in relation to architecture and design.
- Interpret and criticize specific design methodologies, current applications and emerging advances in the field of computational design and digital fabrication.
- Asses the effect of these methodologies and applications in the production of the built environment.
- Conduct research leading to new knowledge.
- Propose original applications of analysis and research knowledge in the field of computational design and digital fabrication through design projects.
- Evaluate current methodologies and develop critiques of them, in relation to the question set and the outcome of the method.
- Identify problems in design-to-fabrication workloads and develop solutions based on feedback loops between digital and material world.
- Display high-level and sought-after skills in pursuing computational design research, including software skills, 3D-modelling, visual computer programming and text-based programming.
- Display high-level skills in pursuing digital fabrication and material research, including material properties understanding and physical prototyping.
- Formulate material fabrication techniques and physical prototyping as a medium for improving design communication and outcome.
- Unfold leadership skills, through teamwork and workshops, relative to architectural workflows with the purpose of enriching current practices or introducing new processes that can provide design solutions as a result of automated, computational processes.
- Develop the capacity to creatively deal with complex problems either individually or as part of a group through research and design projects.
- Acquire the ability to communicate research and design conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences through design projects and presentations