Msc Computing and design

Programme aims and learning outcomes

What is this programme designed to achieve?

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:

• Use advanced CAD as a design tool by customising and extending the base functions.
• Design user interfaces and the use of IT to present design information. Understanding of theoretical ideas in the design research field and the ability to research and document design research.

What will you learn?

Knowledge and understanding

• An understanding of the idea of 'laws of form' and how generative processes can be used to explore architectural design.
• Dynamic systems and how to model them
• The use of computers to explore configurations of form and space
• The history of design methods and Artificial Intelligence/ Artificial Life
• The status of architectural design in the recent history of scientific understanding of perception and new models of understanding

Intellectual skills

• The programme aims to show students a view of the built world that is process based, and to give them the tools to explore design methods especially fitted to the computer.
• The use of Evolutionary Algorithms, Cellular Automata and other topics introduces the student to a set of formal models of the emergence of form and spatial arrangements that provide a new set of approaches to design, and an addition to the critical armoury of the architect.

Practical skills

• The ability to use advanced CAD as a design tool by customising and extending the base functions.
• How to design user interfaces and the use of IT to present design information.
• Understanding of theoretical ideas in the design research field and the ability to research and document design research.

Skills for life and work

Students will be able

• to structure and communicate ideas with clarity in spoken and written form
• to manage time and work to deadlines
• to find information and use information technology
• to assess large amounts of interdisciplinary research cogently
• to know when and how to get help

( 180 credits)

Course Structure

The proposed overall organisation follows the 12 month 72 ECTS framework. The programme is structured in three semesters A, B and C (figure 2.3.3.1). Teaching will take place in semesters A and B followed by a semester of independent studies leading to the thesis/report. Semester A and B comprises three modules each 1, 2 and 3 in semester A and modules 4, 5 and 6 in semester B.  Modules 1 and 4 Theories of Space, Architecture and Urban Systems and module 2 and 5 Theories of Digital Space delivered as seminars and lectures are 6 ECTS modules. Modules 3 and 6 Design of Virtual Space & Virtual Space Design are project based modules with 12 ECTS each.

Semester A		Semester B		Semester C
module 1	Theories of  Space, Architecture and Urban Systems I	module 4	Theories of Space, Architecture and Urban Systems II	module 7: thesis
module 2	Theories of Digital Space I	module 5	Theories of Digital Space II
module 3	Design of Virtual Space& Virtual Space Design I	module 6	Design of Virtual Space& Virtual Space Design II

The two theory models run in parallel with the project based modules. Within each module options of alternative components are offered from a choice of courses of the partner universities (see 5). These options will make different routes within one framework available.

4. Module descriptions

4.1 Module 1

Module title:  Theories of Space, Architecture and Urban Systems I

Credits: 15

Main aims of the module:  the study through texts of the implications to architectural design in the use of computation.

Main topics of study: the module introduces the student to theories of space that are of relevance for both architectural designer as well as the virtual space designer. In its centre are theories of architectural space, spatial perception, and social implication of the organisation of space, spatial navigation, spatial mapping and way-finding.

• Urban theories
  • New methods of description and analysis in urban systems using computer based approaches. Computational geography, agent based simulations of occupation, dynamic models of urban form
• Histories of architectural
  • Research survey of texts on architecture from Vitruvius to Manuel deLanda
• Design methodologies
  • Covers the development of the “scientific management” movement, operational research, computer based approaches, design as problem solving, design as search, the status of the human designer
• Spatial theories
  • Theoretical models developed by mathematicians and philosophers to describe “space”.

Learning Outcomes: the module will provide the student with knowledge on theories of space and navigation of 3D space. It will assist students to contextualise the project based work. Skills: research, presentation…

Assessments instruments: 2000 word essay, multimedia presentation

4.2 Module 2

Module title:  Theories of digital space

Credits: 15

Main aims of the module:  the study through texts of the examples the emerging field of virtual space design

Main topics of study: the module covers general system theory, alternative models of spatial organisation and form, cybernetics, the idea of emergent phenomena, and navigation in virtual space, spatial mapping of virtual environments and 3 D way-finding

• Virtuality, culture and the phenomenological stance, Readings from cultural and social studies on new understandings of space and perception, the situated observer, embodiment and the work of media theorists on the status of space and media in society since the advent of computer based imaging and modelling.
• Histories of virtual space, representation, and computing machines
• Lectures, readings on the status of the image in art and architecture. New types of representation, the implication of immersive space, gaming and multi user interactions, trans-spatiality

Learning Outcomes:

Learning to carry out well focussed research, report writing. Developing an understanding of current themes in critical practice.

Assessments instruments: 2000 word essay, multimedia presentation

4.3 Module 3

Module title:  Design of Virtual Space & Virtual Space Design I

Credits: 30

Main aims of the module: 

Main topics of study: The module is project based in practical design exercises the understanding of the theoretical knowledge is intensify

• Programming form and space
  • Classes in selected programming languages with coding projects in generative and / analytical aspects
• User interface building and 3d way finding in virtual environments
  • Programming / building user interfaces using a chosen environment

Learning Outcomes: understanding how to program algorithms in a range of environments

Assessments instruments: portfolio presentation

4.4 Module 4

Module title:  Theories of Space, Architecture and Urban Systems II

Credits: 15

Main aims of the module:  further advanced study through texts of the implications to architectural design in the use of computation.

Main topics of study: the module introduces the student to theories of space that are of relevance for both architectural designer as well as the virtual space designer. In its centre are theories of architectural space, spatial perception, and social implication of the organisation of space, spatial navigation, spatial mapping and way-finding.

Learning Outcomes: the module will provide the student with further knowledge on theories of space and navigation of 3D space. It will assist students to contextualise the project based work. Skills: research, presentation using multimedia.

Assessments instruments: 2000 word essay, multimedia presentation

4.5 Module 5

Module title:  Theories of digital space II

Credits: 15

Main aims of the module:  further advanced study through texts of the examples the emerging field of virtual space design

Main topics of study: the module covers general system theory, alternative models of spatial organisation and form, cybernetics, the idea of emergent phenomena, and navigation in virtual space, spatial mapping of virtual environments and 3 D way-finding

• Case studies in digital practice
  • The use of cad cam in industry, the new role of the craftsman in the digital production of machining / assembly instructions
• Research in computer science in synthetic construction, simulation and morphological modelling
  • Theory background to the algorithms behind generative models of shape and form from Goethe, though Turing to massively parallel simulations of emergent topologies Network models, topology vs topography. Matrix algebra, vector maths, graph theory

Learning Outcomes: Learning to carry out well focussed research, report writing. Developing an understanding of current themes in critical practice.

Assessments instruments: 2000 word essay, multimedia presentation

4.6 module 6

Module title:  Design of Virtual Space & Virtual Space Design II

Credits: 30

Main aims of the module: 

Main topics of study: this module provides advanced exercises and programming projects to extend the work done in module  3

• Constructive geometries and synthetic environments
  • Using Matrices / vector maths to build agents. Experiments in a range of AI / AL paradigms – CA GA GP ANN SOM etc
• Immersive space construction and experimentation
  • Practical projects in building and navigating virtual space / form
• Digital craft and practice – 3d modelling and animation
  • Learning to use commercial app. In 3d modelling, rendering & animation. If possible experiencing the whole design cycle from generation to fabrication

Learning Outcomes:

Advanced programming and geometry for integrating cad and other applications for developing practical projects

Assessments instruments: practical software demonstrations

More information

For more information view full programme specification

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© 2006