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CLASS SYLLABUS

 

Lecturer: 

Dan Eddie

Advisor:

Dan Siroky

Office Hours: Tuesdays 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

 

Course Description

 

Parameter:

  • a numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation

  • a quantity whose value is selected for the particular circumstances and in relation to which other variable quantities may be expressed

  • limit, boundary

 

Parametric design is not a new process.  Design always involves the relationship of changing determinant forces, but through the use of digital tools there is increased accessibility to innovation in geometry, analysis, and fabrication.  

 

There are two main types of parametric systems.  Constraint based systems which solve sets of continuous and discrete constraints.  Propagation based systems which is computation between known and unknowns with a dataflow model.  Grasshopper 3D implements both of these systems through nodal or component linking.  Through this course we will be exploring the possibilities and the limitations of digital parametric modeling through the use of Grasshopper 3D and its various plug-ins.     

 

With a focus on iterative prototyping, the class will explore the interpretation of existing projects and the creation of new innovative technologies.  This course requires regular scripting, discussion, small assignments, documentation, and a final project.

 

Project Outline

 

  • Product

  • Facade

  • Analysis

  • Landscape

  • Visualization

 

The content basis will be of the students choosing.  The student’s project could be derived from anything in the past, present, or future.  This ranges from anything that exists or is yet to be conceived.  These projects can fall anywhere between function and beauty.   

 

Each student will ultimately choose what project path they want to go on.  The instructor will aid in increasing your knowledge of design tools and continually push each student to do work that adds to their academic portfolio.

 

Credits and Prerequisites

 

3 credit course

Students taking ARCH 436 must have completed ARCH 230 or has approval from instructor.

 

Learning Objectives

 

Technical Development

  • Computational Design

  • Theory understanding

  • Scripting capacity

  • Creativity and ability to condense

  • Utilization of propagation based parametric systems

Translation and Representation

  • Real World application

  • Documentation

  • Triple Bottom Line: Social, Environmental, and Financial

  • Innovation

 

Documentation

 

Documentation will be a top priority for the course.  This will be done through multiple mediums of the instructors and students choosing.  Along with assignment and project documentation, students will be asked to submit their work for regular blogging documentation.  

 

Class Attendance

 

ARCH 436 meets Tuesday and Thursdays from 7:10 PM - 8:30 PM in the computer lab room Design 440.  If a student is unable to attend a regularly scheduled class, they will need to contact the instructor as soon as possible.  Written notification of intended absences for crucial other commitments must be given one week prior to the absence and are subject to approval.  Absent students are responsible for getting all lecture and class information independently; choose a classmate (not your instructor) whom you can contact if you are absent or need information.  

 

Active participation in all discussions, pin-ups, reviews, and collaborations is required and counts as part of your grade.  Students should come to class prepared to work and bring with them all appropriate supplies and materials.     

 

COURSE POLICIES

 

Sharing of Spaces and Resources

 

Do not infringe on others’ use of the computer lab; restrict free movement and accessibility by the accumulation of materials; store materials and projects from other classes in the computer lab; store work in any corridor or designated egress passage; bring furniture other than what has been provided into the computer lab.

 

Respectful Use of Spaces

 

Respectful human interaction: Be mindful of your conduct when engaged with others who differ from you in appearance, race, ethnicity, beliefs, gender, sexuality, style, politics or intellectual position. This institution has a zero-tolerance policy for offensive behavior and harassment. Govern yourself in accordance with the guidelines of your ISU Student Handbook.

If you witness or are a victim of any discrimination or harassment, please notify your instructor, your advisor, the Dean of the College of Design, or Public Safety Authorities. We will take immediate and appropriate action. You can find the current ISU Policy on Discrimination and Harassment at

http://policy.iastate.edu/policy/discrimination/

 

Academic Honesty

 

Any form of cheating and/or plagiarism will NOT be tolerated. Please refer to the ‘Policies and Practices” chapter of the ISU Student Information Handbook, Section XIII ‘Academic Dishonesty,” for a description of what constitutes plagiarism: (http://www.dso.iastate.edu/handbook/PoliciesPract.pdf, pp. 18-20). Any work that involves such activity will be given a failing grade and the student will be reported to the University. All research papers must include a bibliography citing all sources used; see Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing (New York: Modern Language Association of America, 1998); Parks Library Reference Desk PN147 .G444 1998.

 

Students and Disabilities

 

Iowa State University is committed to ensuring that all educational activities are free from discrimination and harassment based on disability status. All students requesting accommodations are required to meet with staff in Student Disability Resources (SDR) to establish eligibility.  A Student Academic Accommodation Request (SAAR) form will be provided to eligible students. The provision of reasonable accommodations in this course will be arranged after timely delivery of the SAAR form to the instructor.  Students are encouraged to deliver completed SAAR forms as early in the semester as possible.  SDR, a unit in the Dean of Students Office, is located in room 1076, Student Services Building or online at www.dso.iastate.edu/dr/.  Contact SDR by e-mail at disabilityresources@iastate.edu or by phone at 515-294-7220 for additional information.

Special Needs Students with Documented Disabilities

 

Any student who has a documented disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact the instructor as soon as possible, but no later than the second week of class, to discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and to facilitate the educational opportunity.

 

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