Course content

The course provides introduction to application of digital and physical models for development and analyses of structural concepts as part of architectural design. This includes design by optimization by known structural schemes as well as more open processes generating and developing structural geometries and structural systems.

The course also includes how architectural concepts of forms can be examined and developed by structural design. By incorporating structural concepts into architectural design, we aim to make more efficient use of limited materials while at the same time contribute to attractive architectural design.

Learning outcome

GENERAL COMPETENCE:

The course will provide an overview of the relationships between structural concepts and explicit shapes/forms of buildings as well as physical and digital tools for studying this.

KNOWLEDGE:

After completing the course, the students will have practice- based knowledge about how to develop and analyze structural concepts by means of physical models such as "hanging-chain models" and "minimal-surface models" and about applying digital models linking architectural evaluation of forms with structural analyses typically by finite element modelling.

Skills:

The students will be able to apply digital and physical models for designing and analyzing structural concepts as an integrated part of architectural form.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises. The exercises include physical as well as digital modelling. The share of physical vs. digital models may vary, for instance due to the background of the students.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Courses and personal interest in design of buildings and structures, from NTNU master program in architecture or from NTNU master program i bygg- og miljøteknikk (regrading the latter: students from structural engineering in particular). Experience and interest in digital parametric modelling is favorable but not a condition.

Required previous knowledge

The course is open for students who have completed the third year of NTNU master program in Architecture, students who are enrolled in NTNU master program in Sustainable architecture, and for students in NTNU master program in Cvil and Environmental Engineering that are enrolled in the course "Introduction to Architectural Design for Engineers" (AAR4208) and thereby in NTNU Minor in Architecture for Engineers.