Syllabus

Course Description:

This seminar aims at the exploration of performative aspects of morphology through investigations in biology, complexity science, aerodynamics, and computation into architecture. We will explore the relationships between form and performance, followed by a rigorous investigation of novel techniques in form generation.

Rather than focus on the sculptural and ornamental aspects of nature, this course aims at creating cohesive systems based on a rigorous process of iteration. Through this process, techniques in animation and dynamics will allow for the exploration of systemmatic growth resulting in taxonomies of coherent yet heterogeneous organizations. We will further explore the conflicting features of skin/surface/structure through complex systems of panelization and finally manesting in a a small programmatic project.

The seminar will function similar to what are known as “paperless studios”. All assignments, presentations, and desk crits will be through digital media. Pinups will be done through projections and uploading to the seminar blog. We will focus on visual effects and animation rather than physical models.

Pedagogical Objectives:

The main educational goal of this course is to value the significance of iterative processes within multiple tool implementations, which will ideally serve for the following years in the School of Architecture. The class will provide students with the theoretical framework and the digital skills that are necessary to progress toward a continually expanding repertoire of conceptual and methodological, intuitive and technical languages. Therefore, everything learned is meant to be further developed by the student.

Applied Software:

Maya, Rhinoceros V4, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premier.

Tutorial Books & Suggested Bibliography:

Any Intro to Maya book will suffice.

Animate Form by Greg Lynn

AD: Versatility and Vicissitude by Michael Hensel & Achim Menges

AD: Techniques and Technologies in Morphogenetic Design by Michael Hensel, Achim Menges, and Michael Weinstock.

YSYT-Maya MEL Basics for Designers by Nick Pisca (www.Lulu.com)

Requirements:

Course attendance is mandatory. Students are required to produce research, analysis, assignments and projects on

a daily and weekly basis and as scheduled. Due to the fact that we meet only twice a week, absenteeism is not

recommended. One class during the week will be used for lectures and strategic approaches. The second class is

for hands-on training in the lab and an organized review of the assignments.

Course Evaluation:

Grading will be based on the University System. The final grade will be determined on the following basis:

Class Participation (attendance + verbal participation) 20%

Assignments & Blog Input 40%

Final Project 40%

Students will be evaluated upon performance in their assignments and projects. While a satisfactory grade

in the course may be attained by the completion of all work required to the satisfaction of the professor.

Individual initiative and investigation of design and research issues that extend beyond the basic requirements are

strongly encouraged.

Grades:

94-100= A 87-89= B+ 80-83= B- 74-76= C 67-69= D+ 60-63= D-

90-93 = A- 84-86= B 77-79= C+ 70-73= C- 64-66= D 0-59 = F

Class Standards:

Attendance and class participation are required at all class meetings (see Course Schedule). Four (4) unexcused

absences automatically result in a failing grade for the course. Every absence is 20% off of the attendance and

participation grade. Every day you are late, you will receive half (1/2) an absence. An acceptable excused

absence is defined by the student having missed class due to extraordinary circumstances beyond his or her

control and must be accompanied by written proof. In the event that you miss a class, you are responsible for all

material covered. No late work will be accepted. Being absent at a final review will result in a failing grade.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain, become familiar with, and abide by all Departmental, College and

University requirements and regulations. These include but are not limited to:

-The Florida International University Catalog Division of Student Affairs Handbook of Rights and Responsibilities

-Departmental Curriculum and Program Sheets

-Departmental Policies and Regulations

Student Work

The School of Architecture reserves the right to retain any and all student work for the purpose of record, exhibition

and instruction. All students are encouraged to photograph and/or copy all work for personal records prior to

submittal to instructor.