M.SC. In Architecture (With Thesis)

ARCH 566 | Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Name

Natural Algorithms in Architecture

Code	Semester	Theory (hour/week)	Application/Lab (hour/week)	Local Credits	ECTS
ARCH 566	Fall/Spring	1	4	3	7.5

Prerequisites	None
Course Language	English
Course Type	Elective
Course Level	Second Cycle
Mode of Delivery	-
Teaching Methods and Techniques of the Course	-
National Occupation Classification	-
Course Coordinator	-
Course Lecturer(s)	Öğr. Gör. Metin ŞAHİN
Assistant(s)	-

Course Objectives

The course objective is to research biologically-inspired computational processes and algorithms as applied to generative architectural design. Introduction to theory and practice to empower the students with contemporary computational design methodologies. Students are introduced to design processes that are emergent, iterative, and based on natural processes. The course aims to give the students the tools to be able to conceive, analyze, and generate architectural solutions by studying natural forms and processes. Students will studio plants, shells, skeletons, seeds, algae, muscle, swarm behavior, and others for biomimetic analysis for process and form generation. Environmental, functional, and structural analysis will be explored for integration in the biomimetic process. Architecture will be explored in the context of nature, design, and technology.

Learning Outcomes

#	Content	PC Sub	* Contribution Level
#	Content	PC Sub	1	2	3	4	5
1	explain current technology and research in the field of biomimicry and natural algorithms in architecture
2	evaluate architectural research and/or defend new hypothesis in the field of biomimicry and/or natural algorithm.
3	demonstrate a critical application of mathematical and digital skills in digital biomimetry.
4	compute advanced digital functional, structural and environmental analysis
5	appraise advanced digital and mathematical design techniques

Course Description

This course will be an overview and experimentation with natural occurring Algorithms that are applicable in contemporary Architectural Design. This includes algorithms, scripting structures, design strategies and processes. The evolution of organism form and structures in response to functions and environment will be explored. Students will do readings on software technologies, as well as art and design related to computational and algorithmic processes.

Course Category	Core Courses
	Major Area Courses	X
	Supportive Courses
	Media and Management Skills Courses
	Transferable Skill Courses

WEEKLY SUBJECTS AND RELATED PREPARATION STUDIES

Week	Subjects	Related Preparation	Learning Outcome
1	Introduction to the course content
2	Lecture on Basics of computational design	Readings 1: Terzidis, K. (2006). Algorithmic architecture. Routledge.
3	Basics of programming: Loops, Randomness, and Determinism	Assignment 1: Basic Examples for coding, Basic Anemone Examples, Basic Shape Syntax and Pedestrian Simulation
4	Basics of programming: Loops, Randomness, and Determinism	Deadline for Assignment 1 and Reading 1
5	Lecture on Nature and Design: (Aggregation/Branching and Growth, L systems and Phyllotaxis)	Readings 2: Frazer, J. (1995). An evolutionary architecture.
6	Nature and Design	Assignment 2: Explore Grasshopper Plugins and design and object, define simple rules, and design an object.
7	Nature and Design	Deadline for Assignment 2 and Reading 2
8	Student Presentation
9	Lecture on Genetic algorithms (Optimization, Evolutionary Design)	Readings 3: Bentley, P. J. (1999). Evolutionary design by computers. Morgan Kaufmann. Frazer, J. (1995). An evolutionary architecture.
10	Evolutionary Design	Assignment 3: Basic Galapagos implementations, Basic Agent Simulations
11	Evolutionary Design	Deadline for Assignment 3 and Reading 3
12	Student Workshops	Workshop Reading: Johnson, S. (2002). Emergence: The connected lives of ants, brains, cities, and software. Simon and Schuster.
13	Student Workshops
14	Student Workshops	Deadline for Workshop Assignments
15	Semester Review
16	Final exam	Deadline for Final Project

Course Notes/Textbooks

Suggested Readings/Materials

Terzidis, K. (2006). Algorithmic architecture. Routledge. ISBN-13 : 978-0080461298

Frazer, J. (1995). An evolutionary architecture. ISBN-13 : 978-1870890472

Bentley, P. J. (1999). Evolutionary design by computers. Morgan Kaufmann. ISBN-13 : 978-1558606050

Johnson, S. (2002). Emergence: The connected lives of ants, brains, cities, and software. Simon and Schuster. ISBN-13 :

Pawlyn, M. (2019). Biomimicry in architecture. Routledge. ISBN-13: 978-1859463758

EVALUATION SYSTEM

Semester Activities	Number	Weighting	LO 1	LO 2	LO 3	LO 4	LO 5
Participation	1	20
Laboratory / Application
Field Work
Quizzes / Studio Critiques
Portfolio
Homework / Assignments	1	20
Presentation / Jury	1	20
Project	1	20
Seminar / Workshop
Oral Exams	1	10
Midterm	1	10
Final Exam
Total

Weighting of Semester Activities on the Final Grade	6	100
Weighting of End-of-Semester Activities on the Final Grade
Total

ECTS / WORKLOAD TABLE

Semester Activities	Number	Duration (Hours)	Workload
Theoretical Course Hours (Including exam week: 16 x total hours)	16	1	16
Laboratory / Application Hours (Including exam week: '.16.' x total hours)	16	4	64
Study Hours Out of Class			0
Field Work			0
Quizzes / Studio Critiques			0
Portfolio			0
Homework / Assignments	1	37	37
Presentation / Jury	1	37	37
Project	1	37	37
Seminar / Workshop			0
Oral Exam	1	17	17
Midterms	1	17	17
Final Exam			0
		Total	225

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES AND PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS RELATIONSHIP

#	PC Sub	Program Competencies/Outcomes	* Contribution Level
#	PC Sub	Program Competencies/Outcomes	1	2	3	4	5
1	To be able to advance specialized architectural knowledge based on qualifications acquired at the undergraduate level.		-	-	-	-	X
2	To be able to conceive the interdisciplinary nature of the architectural field and apply such knowledge and analytical capacity to interdisciplinary studies.		-	-	-	-	X
3	To be able to apply specialized knowledge in architecture in theoretical or practical work.		-	-	-	-	X
4	To be able to produce new knowledge by integrating architectural knowledge with knowledge in other disciplines.		-	-	-	-	X
5	To be able to diagnose and evaluate a specific problem in architecture and to relate this ability to publishing or practice.		-	-	-	-	X
6	To be able critically evaluate knowledge peculiar to the architectural field, facilitate self-directed learning and produce advanced work independently.		-	-	-	-	X
7	To be able to communicate contemporary developments in architecture and one’s own work in professional and interdisciplinary environments in written, oral or visual forms.		-	-	-	-	X
8	To be able to consider, control and communicate social, scientific and ethical values in the accumulation, interpretation, publication and/or application of architectural data.		-	-	-	X	-
9	To be able to critically analyze the norms that inform spatial relationships and their social implications and to develop original thesis according to guidelines.		-	-	-	X	-
10	To be able to keep up with developing knowledge in Architecture and participate in academic and professional discussions using at least one foreign language.		-	-	-	-	X