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Introduction to the Master's Degree in Parametric Design in Architecture

The UPC School MPDA Master's degree Parametric Design in Architecture is an international program that seeks to teach and explore technology efficiency. The architectural project is a complex process, in which knowledge management must be linked to design in an operational way. In this regard, parameters are all the categories of information that affect decision-making. The aim of parametric architecture is to go beyond shapes, in order to design a system integrating all the variables involved in the process, minimizing energy and cost to produce ultimately an efficient form.

Knowledge Fields

The program covers various knowledge fields, including:

• Lightweight structures: Design and optimization of lightweight building systems, mainly through form-finding processes, including tensile architecture, cable-nets, pneumatics, shells, and gridshells.
• Programming: Guiding computational thinking and tools to the simplification of processes, problem-solving, algorithmic thinking, and data structures.
• Structural analysis: Lineal and non-lineal analysis for performance-driven design, feedback loop geometry engineering.
• Architectural geometry: Geometry of remarkable curves and surfaces for the pre and post rationalization and discretization.
• Optimization: Single and multi-objective optimization, critical use of data, and creation of statistical measures.
• Energy simulation: Radiation, daylight, energy simulation, and integration in optimization workflow.
• Territory and landscape: Data parsing, GIS, pattern recognition, big data, complexity handling, natural agents.
• Construction-aware design: Design is generated in a way contemplating from the origin the efficient construction, therefore has to embed all geometrical constraints.
• Digital fabrication: Machining, efficient fabrication, integration of process, matter, and machine, understanding of machine operations and custom toolpaths.
• Form-finding: Our aim is to design and discover novel form-finding strategies through the methodological integration of forces, matter, and processes.
• BIM integration: Integration with professional workflows and industrial standards, although keeping a wide space for experimentation, research, and industry-oriented innovation.
• Ecological footprint: Generation of efficient form by efficient means, namely lightweightness, material efficiency, rationalization of complex surfaces, cutouts reduction, path minimizations, reusability, deployability, for the ecological footprint reduction.

Goals

The goals of the program include:

• Integration of computational tools and digital manufacturing technology in building systems and architectural sustainable design.
• Increase the design topological space while building resilient flexible design models.
• Design and analysis of building systems, including lightweight systems.
• Build expertise on rationalizing complicated geometry into complex structured data ready to fabricate.
• Avoid unexpected overcharges linked to design changes.
• Work in teams on interoperability platforms.
• Apply optimization algorithms in any design field and at different design stages.
• Identify patterns on large datasets.

Highlights

The program highlights include:

• Ecological sustainability agenda, focus on lightweight and efficient systems.
• Rich lecture series from international field expert guests.
• Very intensive one-year life-changing experience.
• Integrated approach for architects and engineers.
• International program with more than 30 nationalities students from all continents.
• Research and innovation-oriented through real case study professional projects.

Program Structure

The program is structured into two semesters, with the following courses:

First Semester

• S1 Studio 1: Parametric modeling of construction systems and form-finding of efficient form.
• DF Digital Fabrication: Rationalization, discretization, and efficient fabrication.
• PG Parametric Geometry: Geometric foundations and applied architectural geometry.
• FA From Sign to Algorithm: Introduction to logic systems, algorithmic thinking, and programming.

Second Semester

• S2 Studio 2: Construction-aware design.
• AT Algorithms in Technology: Development of algorithmic thinking and programming.
• BI Building Information: Structural and energy performance-driven design and integration.
• PL Planning and Landscape: Data analysis and design restrictions integration.

Complementary Courses

• W1 Workshops sm1: Geometry Bootcamp, Topology, Optimization.
• W2 Workshops sm2: Analysis and Fabrication tools and workflows.
• MT Master Thesis: Research and innovation.

Master Thesis

The master thesis is dedicated to generating original work, based on research, where the student will show how parametric design has changed his/her skills to produce architectural projects. This research work will be done under the assistance of a tutor, one of the professors of the master, and will be evaluated by a jury of several members from the faculty of the master.

Prototypes

The program includes various prototypes, such as:

• 2023 Pentaura
• 2023 Shingles
• 2024 TREVOL
• 2021 ZOLLINGER
• 2021 3wAY
• 2022 ETSAV
• 2022 ALP
• 2020 GRIDSHELL EXPLORATION
• 2019 OTAN
• 2019 ZEBRA
• 2019 URCHIN

Testimonials

The program has received positive testimonials from former students, including:

• "Very powerful digital & intellectual tools" - Anna RIZOU, GREECE, Architect at K Studio Architecture.
• "The perfect complement in my professional development" - Ángel Antequera, Bolivia, Engineer at Modularem.
• "Exceeded my expectations" - Giacomo Gasbarri, ITALY, Architect at Rimond.

Collaborators

The program collaborates with various partners, including manufacturer partners and software providers.