modulation and manifestation

ARCHT-570-01, MARCH-602: Synthetic Tectonics Instructor: Judith K. Mussel Fall 2010- California College of the Arts Tuesday 07:15PM - 10:15PM, Main SF Bldg, Room LAB C Units/Credit: 3 Enrolment capacity: 12

Synthetic Tectonics examines digital and analogue design techniques that incorporate parameters of building material and methods, environmental response and structural systems. Systematically we will first introduce material constrains into the digital modeling process, then incorporate environmental response and finally add structural concerns to the effort. At the end of the seminar the design will be represented in drawings, diagrams, renderings and a physical prototype.

The subject of the design effort is a shading system and a small pavilion located at CCA San Francisco. Important is that the course is structured as a collective learning experience. Every participant has to solve a slightly different design problem and will learn from the successes and failures of their teammates.

“If we want to take full and creative advantage of the amazing technological possibilities at our hands and finally fuse the seemingly separate worlds of analogue construction and digital design data we have to get involved in the conception of these interfaces and directly link the design data we produce and the machines that actually fabricate architecture in both directions, technically and conceptually. We should “get our hands dirty”, so to speak, and proactively develop a technological “savoir faire” (1) that directly relates to the way architecture is conceived, processed, built, and used today. Technology needs to be demystified and (re) integrated into the architectural discipline, not just as a source of inspiration but as an integral part of the professional vision.” Fabio Gramazio and Matthias Kohler (ETH Zurich) “savoir faire” (1) Meaning : The instinctive ability to know how to deal with any situation that arises.