Taken from the course syllabus.

MIT Department of Architecture
4.182 Architectural Design Workshop:
Generative and Parametric Tools for Design and Fabrication
Spring 2003

Description
This workshop is a collaborative course with Foster and Partners in London that explores a computationally-based, explorative approach to design.

Parametric and generative design tools will be combined with digital fabrication and rapid-prototyping techniques, in a cyclical process, to generate and evaluate alternative, innovative design solutions to a design problem. The design problem will focus on light: the control and modulation of light through the design of a freeform building envelope with specific performance requirements. The workshop will involve collaboration with Hugh Whitehead and Judit Kimpian from the architecture office Foster and Partners in London. Foster and Partners have designed a number of innovative natural lighting solutions in projects such as the Berlin Reichstag copula.

The workshop will be conducted through a series of exercises introducing different computational techniques and ideas, and will culminate in a final design project demonstrating students' approaches to these ideas in an architectural context. Software packages introduced in class will include CATIA, Rhino, and Lightscape. Knowledge of these softwares is not a requirement of the course. However, advanced knowledge of modeling software (AutoCAD, 3DVIS) taught in course 4.203 or equivalent is a requirement.

Prerequisites
4.203 or equivalent

Class size
Limited to 10 students

Course requirements
Completion of 3 design exercises; mastery of techniques and tools introduced in class.

Grading
Grades will be based on class participation, and overall efforts and results of the 3 design exercises.