2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LISS1052 Digital Design and Fabrication

10 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Ornella Iuorio
Email: o.iuorio@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Jul to 31 Aug View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

Pre-requisite qualifications

GPA of 2.8 (US) or equivalent and enrolled at a university

You must have experience of using and creating CAD files, such as AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino or Robot

Module replaces

None

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Digital design and fabrication are revolutionizing the construction industry. These digital technologies give designers the ability to produce models and prototypes to advance real-world construction processes. In this module you’ll gain an understanding of digital design. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your skills in fabrication processes. You’ll consider key questions including: How can design move from ad-hoc architectural solutions towards systems embracing flexibility and de-constructability? How can digital design and fabrication support the development of these systems? You’ll learn the basics of digital design through the use of programmes and applications such as Rhino and Grasshopper. You’ll develop a design proposal from conceptual design to detail. In doing so, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the performance of structures. You’ll also consider how forms and configurations can be manipulated for design purposes. You’ll then fabricate a scaled physical model based on the proposal. This module is suitable for students who study architecture, engineering and related fields. You should have some basic knowledge of CAD design modelling or architecture/structural design.

Objectives

You will learn the principles of parametric design, the basis of Rhino and Grasshopper, the basic of form finding and some laser cutting techniques

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate a basic understanding of the concepts, information, practical competencies and techniques in the field of shell form finding.

2. apply generic and subject specific intellectual qualities to standard situations outside the context in which they were originally studied;

3. appreciate and employ the main methods of parametric design, and digital fabrication; and evaluate the appropriateness of different methods of tessellation, planarization and connections;

4. use a range of techniques to initiate the design of shell structures;

5. effectively communicate information, results and analysis in written reports, presentation boards and presentations.

Syllabus

Indicative syllabus:

- History of shell structures
- Parametric design through Rhino
- Form finding
- Tessellation of a curve surface
- Planarization
- Connection systems for wooden shell structures
- Laser cutter
- Development of stl files for 3D printing
- Assembly of shell structure (through real prototyping)

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Visit	1	10.00	10.00
Fieldwork	1	8.00	8.00
Seminar	8	1.00	8.00
Tutorial	8	2.00	16.00
Independent online learning hours			15.00
Private study hours			43.00
Total Contact hours			42.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

15 hours pre-course preparatory work (materials available on Minerva): this will include watching some Rhino and Grasshopper tutorial, installing relevant software, and reading assigned texts and preparation of elements relevant to assignments and group work in class)

43 hours private study: this will include project design, powerpoint preparation, fabrication of some elements, and video

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored through:

Tutorials and practical activities. Continuous monitoring during the 2 weeks.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Group Project	Group presentation via video (5 minutes)	50.00
Presentation	Individual presentation (10 minutes)	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The group presentation is 'group assessed' i.e. students will receive a group mark.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 01/04/2022

Disclaimer

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• Undergraduate module catalogue
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