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Course Detail

Course Name Architectural Design Studio ? IV
Course Code 25ARC311
Program 5-Year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
Semester 6
Credits 14
Campus Coimbatore

Syllabus

Module 1: Parametric Architecture Theory

Evolution of digital and parametric design: from CAD to algorithmic design; Key theories: topological architecture, swarm intelligence, generative systems, biomimicry; Precedent studies: works of Zaha Hadid, Patrik Schumacher, Achim Menges, Michael Hansmeyer.

Module 2: Digital Tools in Design

Introduction to Grasshopper for Rhino: parametric geometry, data trees, attractor points; Environmental plugins: Ladybug, Honeybee (solar, daylight, thermal analysis); Basics of Revit Dynamo for parametric workflows; Introduction to digital fabrication techniques: 3D printing and laser cutting.

Module 3: Tour Studies

Documentation of contemporary parametric architecture (Indian/global projects); Analytical framework: form, performance, materiality, and digital processes; On-site study/tour: parametric façades, computationally designed installations, etc.

Module 4: Digital Architecture Studio

Project brief: design a medium-scale public/institutional building using parametric methods; defining performance criteria: environmental, structural, spatial; Iteration workflows: digital form generation, evaluation, and optimization; Interdisciplinary integration: structure, services, sustainability, fabrication strategies.

Module 5: Documentation & Reflection

Writing design narratives for computational workflows; Reflection on advantages, limitations and ethics of digital architecture; Peer-review and design crits.

Objectives and Outcomes

Course Objectives

  • To introduce students to parametric and algorithmic thinking as a methodology for architectural design.
  • To integrate digital tools (parametric modelling, environmental plugins, and fabrication techniques) into the design process.
  • To foster critical evaluation of computational design through theory, case studies, and precedent analysis.
  • To expose students to contemporary architecture through tour-based studies, analysing digital and complex form-making.
  • To develop an advanced digital design project that addresses contextual, environmental, and performative parameters.

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to:

CO1:

Demonstrate theoretical understanding of parametric architecture, generative design and computational approaches.

CO2 :

Apply digital tools (Grasshopper, Rhino, Revit Dynamo, etc.) to generate, iterate and evaluate architectural forms.

CO3:

Conduct tour-based studies to critically analyse digitally-driven and performative architecture.

CO4:

Develop a digitally conceived architectural design project integrating environmental, structural and user parameters.

CO5:

Communicate complex design ideas using digital visualizations, fabrication outputs and analytical diagrams.

 

 

PO1

PO2

PO3

PO4

PO5

PO6

PO7

PO8

PO9

PO10

PO11

PSO1

PSO2

PSO3

CO1

3

3

2

3

2

3

–

2

2

–

2

2

–

–

CO2

3

2

3

3

2

3

–

3

3

–

2

2

3

3

CO3

3

3

2

2

2

3

–

2

3

–

2

3

–

3

CO4

3

3

3

3

3

3

2

3

3

2

3

3

3

3

CO5

3

2

2

3

3

3

–

3

3

3

2

3

3

3

Evaluation Pattern

Evaluation Pattern

 

Assessment

Internal/External

Weightage

Continuous Assessment

Internal

30%

Mid-Semester Jury

Internal

20%

End-Semester Jury

External

50%

Text Books / References

Reading Material

  1. Schumacher, Patrik. The Autopoiesis of Architecture, Vol. I & II. Wiley.
  2. Kolarevic, Branko. Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing. Taylor & Francis.
  3. Menges, Achim & Ahlquist, Sean. Computational Design Thinking. Wiley.
  4. Oxman, Rivka. Theories of the Digital in Architecture. Routledge.
  5. Ching, Francis D.K. Architectural Graphics (for visual communication).
  6. Tedeschi, Arturo. AAD Algorithms-Aided Design. Edizioni Le Penseur.

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