Material and Structural Intelligence
Graduate elective seminar exploring architectural form-finding through material properties, structural behavior, physical models, and carbon-conscious design methods.
Founded on a materialist ontology, Material and Structural Intelligence will explore a design methodology that seeks to build sophisticated digital and physical parametric models. These models will parameterize real world metrics related to structural behavior and material performance.
The process of formation, analysis, and refinement developed through the course will expose the students to the relationship between form, structure, and materials with an emphasis on efficiency and functionalism. The readings and research component of the course would help define the historical context within which the ideas of lightweightedness, hyper efficiency and minimalism have underpinned the conversation around ecological sustainability within architecture since the middle of twentieth century.
This line of inquiry is also rooted in a deep tradition at PennDesignDesigners and academics such as Louis Kahn, Le Ricolais, Peter McCleary, Detlef Mertins, and Cecil Balmond have shaped how we think about the poetics, capabilities and possible futures at the heart of the intersection of material behavior, structural performance and morphogenesis.
Our focus is on exploring this synergistic relationship through hands on experimentation with structurally active models and the development of dynamic, iterative, digital simulations. Through close interaction and discussion with visiting designers, artists, and engineers, this course will broaden students’ understanding of the intersection between design, engineering, and material creation.