Applicants for the programme may be graduates of architecture or qualified professionals; Practical experience or Higher National Diploma or equivalent can serve. People with previous degrees from disciplines outside Architecture and Design will also be considered. Generally students need to demonstrate a level of understanding of the design process in architecture and an interest in developing computer aided design skills. People whose first language is not English will need to be proficient to IELTS 6.0 grade.

At least two members of academic staff will review each application before a decision is made. In most cases an interview will be part of the evaluation process.

Applicants with either prior-certified learning or prior-experiential learning that closely matches the specified learning outcomes of the programme may be able to claim exemption via agreed university procedures.

Progression

On successful completion of this module students may progress to MSc Architecture: Computing and Design with enhanced standing.

• Training in a range of macro programming languages for automating CAD. Using this technology, students will be able to develop scripts for automating cad operations, linking different applications and designing intelligent design aids;
• Education in the implications for design of these new technologies. The associated lectures (from the MSc Computing & Design) help to set the technical skills in the wider design and practice context. The preparation of reports is a guided process where students learn how to present both design ideas and technical projects;
• Practical training for building design support systems by linking different applications. Students will be able to develop solutions to complex design situations, requiring the interaction with a range of specialists an a design team. This is especially the case if the student can take part in the AEDAS Mentor process.

Knowledge and understanding

• How to define a small programming project; data requirements and overall interface design;
• How to interpret and define a scripting project in collaboration with the design architect, what questions to ask, how to extract design intentions and data needs for the project team;
• How to develop advanced scripting projects leading to complex building outcomes using evolutionary algorithms and other computer science algorithms.

'Thinking' skills

• Thinking algorithmically – how to define the computational strategy for a design task in terms of matching the task to well defined strategy for its solution.

Subject-Based Practical skills (these examples will change as the technology grows in order to keep up to date)

• programming in selected languages – currently Visual Basic for Applications
• how to write scripts and macros in AutoCAD, Microstation, Rhino and Excel

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• How to set up and deliver technical reports for the 3 components of each module. Clarity timeliness and high presentation skills are encouraged, which as in all architectural education are vital for continuing professional development.

Two semesters. Starting September (Semester A) or February (Semester B)

The Post graduate certificate consists of two modules ARM 161 & ARM 162. Teaching is on Tuesday for 14 weeks for each module

Proposed curriculum

• Scripting classes in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Learning to automate the production of geometry in standard CAD packages (AutoCAD Microstation & Rhino) to generate conceptual models, detailed skin and structural architectures, digital output to fabrication etc

A series of 28 weeks, one day per week, to provide 60 credits and the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Architecture: Computing & Design.

Main aims of the module

To provide training in a range of macro programming languages for automating CAD. Using this technology, students will be able to develop scripts for automating cad operations, linking different applications and designing intelligent design aids.

• Education in the implications for design of these new technologies. The associated lectures (from the MSc Computing & Design) help to set the technical skills in the wider design and practice context. The preparation of reports is a guided process where students learn how to present both design ideas and technical projects.
• Practical training for building design support systems by linking different applications. Students will be able to develop solutions to complex design situations, requiring the interaction with a range of specialists in a design team. This is especially the case if the student can take part in the AEDAS Mentor process.

Main Topics of Study:

Module ARM 161 'Introduction to CAD Scripting' - 30 credits

1 Simple VBA programming

• General concepts of syntax through geometric explorations line surface volume(2);
• User forms (GUI interface)(2);
• More complex data structures (arrays user defined types);
• Using blocks / cells.

2 Manipulating data and linking with other applications

• Using Excel with object linking and embedding;
• Façade design , panelisation, structural grids plans;
• Tagging extended data;
• Selection sets.

3 Parametric modelling exercise

• Advanced exercises in scripting;
• Designing a pavilion / student personal choice of project.

Teaching materials are available on the web (including Web-CT discussion forums and user feedback and the CECA WIKI for collaborative problem-solving).

Module ARM 162 'Introduction to Advanced CAD Scripting' - 30 credits

1 Introduction to distributed representation

• Cellular automata
• Diffusion, relaxation and other emergent morphologies
• Agent-based modelling

2 Evolutionary algorithms

• Neural networks and self organising mappings
• Simple Genetic algorithms for morphological experimentation
• Natural selection using fitness functions

3 Intelligent spaces and forms

• Development of one of the approaches by the student to respond to an architectural design problem;
• Designing a pavilion / student personal choice of project.

Knowledge and understanding is developed through:

• Tutored guidance through recommended reading;
• Attending the open MSc Lectures series of visiting specialists on computer aided design.

'Thinking' skills are developed through:

• Guided group discussions in presentations of scripting outcomes by the students.

Practical skills are developed through:

• One-to-one guidance on scripting assignments.

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through:

• One to one tutorials monitoring students work and progress

Knowledge and understanding is assessed by:

• The written reports that are required at the end of each component.

'Thinking' skills are assessed by:

• Staff assessment of the negotiation process between scripting development and design ideas

Practical skills are assessed by:

• The scripting component of each hand-in.

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by:

• Timeliness of hand-in of work, general work management of the student, and how well the student has collaborated with professional partners in any joint work.