ARC 619: Architectural Geometry and Construction

Instructor: Nick Bruscia
ARC 619
Spring 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022

DESCRIPTION: 

This technical seminar introduces foundational concepts in computational modeling and simulation, emphasizing how geometric principles shape the design-to-construction process. Focusing on lightweight shell structures, students will develop a design-to-production digital workflow inspired by built case studies that illustrate the connection between digital form-finding and physical fabrication, exploring how digital models adapt to material behavior and manufacturing constraints.

The relationship between technology and architecture continues to influence how we design and construct buildings today. Thanks to easier access to digital tools and modern fabrication equipment, designers can experiment with new materials, structures, and methods of making.

To stay responsive to a rapidly changing world, architectural research must find creative ways to connect design thinking with emerging technologies. Skills in computational design are highly adaptable to both well-established and emerging sectors of architectural practice.

Students will gain hands-on experience in production-aware digital practices, form optimization, and design-to-fabrication modeling techniques. Class time is often hands-on, introducing algorithmic modeling in Grasshopper / Rhino, physics-based simulation in Kangaroo2 and other selected plug-ins that enhance Grasshopper’s functionality including parametric robot control for assembly and fabrication, as well as AI-assisted custom C# components that interface with GH tools.