About
Trailer for Atlas of Digital Architecture - Part 2
General Course Information
Digital technology and architecture have become inseparable, with new
approaches and methodologies not just affecting the workflows and
practice of architects, but shaping the very character of architecture. This MOOC is named after and based on the Atlas of Digital Architecture, a compendious textbook about the myriad ways in which computers are used in architecture today. Through a series of engaging, episodic online lectures and discussions, the MOOC offers an introduction and orientation to the fascinating and fast changing world of digital architecture.
The Atlas of Digital Architecture, the book that this MOOC is based on, brings together the knowledge of two dozen university professors and lecturers from the German speaking world, many of whom feature in this MOOC, sharing their vast range of expertise. The book was written by London-based writer Sebastian Michael who also acts as the presenter of the course in the videos.
This is part 2 in a series of five MOOCs that the group is preparing to eventually represent the whole thematic breadth of the book. Each episode provides both a historical perspective and a conceptual outlook to
convey a sense of continuity between past, present, and future. Going beyond the confines of the traditional textbook, the Atlas also
postulates a theoretical framework for architecture in the 21st century, which is reflected in this MOOC.
The
MOOC is mostly in English, though German is spoken in some of the discussions
and lectures. Note that subtitles in both English and German are
available throughout for all videos.
Content
Course Content
Structured into six parts, the Atlas of Digital Architecture offers an orientation to the myriad ways in which computers are used in architecture today, such as: 3D Modelling and CAD; Rendering and Visualisation; Scripting, Typography, Text & Code; Digital Manufacturing and Model Making; GIS, BIM, Simulation, and Big Data & Machine Learning, to name but these.
This is part 2 in a series of five MOOCs that the authors are preparing to eventually represent the whole thematic breadth of the book. Just as with the chapters in the Atlas, the units are independent of each other and things learned in one aren't taken as prerequisites for other units. Just as part one, rather than following the sequence of topics of the Atlas, the second part of the MOOC again brings together topics from different parts of the book. It begins with a unit on Model Making - how digitally controlled machines can be used to create architectural models. One of the technologies introduced in unit 1, 3D Printing, is then expanded on in unit 2. In unit 3 we switch to an altogether different scale: to GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Unit 4 is about Typography and Layout, and the fifth and final unit is about Collaboration - how digital media are changing the way we work together in architecture.
Course Goals
The course provides an overview and a basic understanding of the topics covered. Each unit includes a lecture as well as an informal discussion between the experts and students. An important part of each topic is the historical perspective: How were the methods developed that are currently state of the art? What were their precursors? When were important breakthroughs made? Each unit also includes a portrait of a historical figure that made important contributions to the development.
In the unit about Model Making you learn about how two very different architects, Antoni Gaudi and Frei Otto, worked with models when designing. In the unit about GIS you are introduced to GIS pioneer Jack Dangermond, founder of the software company ESRI. Based on this historical perspective, participants learn what the
current state of the art of a given method or technology looks like and
how they impact architectural practice.
The units are informative, but they are also meant to be thought-provoking.
Previous Knowledge
This course is intended for students as well as professionals of architecture or other design oriented disciplines. No prior knowledge is necessary other than a basic familiarity with computers and an interest in digital methods and tools in architecture and design.
Course Procedure
The course is composed of five weekly units. Each unit is independent and can be understood without having previously studied any of the other units. A questionnaire at the end of each unit is taken to ensure and consolidate participant's understanding of the content covered.
Certificate
For actively participating in the course you will receive an automatic certificate which includes your username, the course name as well as the completed units. We want to point out that this certificate merely confirms that the user answered at least 75% of the self-assessment questions correctly.
Course Instructor
Urs Hirschberg (TU Graz), Ludger Hovestadt (ETH Zürich), Oliver Fritz (HTWG Konstanz)
The MOOC is named after and based on the Atlas of Digital Architecture, the textbook two dozen university professors and lecturers from the German speaking world put together with the help of London-based writer Sebastian Michael who also acts as the moderator of the course in the videos. Urs Hirschberg, professor of Architecture and Media at Graz University of Technology and one of the book's contributing editors, coordinates the production of the MOOC in close coordination with co-editors Oliver Fritz (HTWG Konstanz) and Ludger Hovestadt (ETH Zürich).This is the part two of the Atlas of Digital Architecture MOOC series. Besides Sebastian Michael and the editors, Peter Zeile (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) is featured as an expert. TU Graz students Sandra Sulzer and Nikolas Keuschnig as well as in some units HTWG Konstanz students Fabian Braun und Nico Müller are part of the discussions to clarify the topics with their questions. More information about the Atlas and its editors and contributors can be found at https://www.atlasofdigitalarchitecture.com/
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Partners
Graz University of Technology
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