Ability to deconstruct (read) reference projects/architectures. Ability to construct new architectures on a building scale, explaining their conception processes and reference models. Ability to construct the parameters of the project program, explaining their weights and hierarchies. Ability to communicate the design idea through appropriate representation languages. Ability to deconstruct the mental models of the project by explaining the logical algorithms; Ability to construct compositional algorithms in Visual Programming Language for the definition of responsive digital models; Ability to construct and manipulate parametric architectural objects; Understanding of the concept of efficiency, responsiveness and scalability of parametric models; Data flow management capabilities for interoperability between conceptual geometric models (VPL) and parametric architectural models (BIM).

To follow the course you need the knowledge acquired along the educational path of the three-year degree on the general principles of: Architectural Composition; Fundamentals and Applications of Descriptive Geometry, Representation and Digital Modeling of Architecture, Mathematics.

The atelier is developed through two successive exercises: The first exercise consists in compositional analysis ( deconstruction ) of an architectural work designed through a parametric approach. The analysis of the paradigmatic case studies, selected by the teaching staff, will be undertaken through conceptual diagrams with the aim of explaining the process of conception, the use of the parametric programming tool, the parameters taken into account and the grammars of form underlying the project. The second exercise consists in the design of a new building through the tools of Algorithmic Aided Design and Building Information Modeling acquired inside the atelier. In parallel to the design activity, students will be asked to graphically represent the design process and the interaction between design logics, parameters and parametric modelling tools mainly through diagrammatic representation. The learning of parametric design procedures passes through a process of deconstruction of design thinking, for a subsequent creative and efficient reconstruction of digital algorithms, influenced and supported by computational processes. The definition of relationships through programming systems, organizes and feeds the parameters of architectural models. The course will alternate theoretical moments with laboratory activities; the theoretical lessons will deepen the following topics: Algorithmic Design Thinking; Constructive Parametric Design; Generative Parametric Design; Interoperability between models. During the course students will follow a series of topics that will help them towards a conscious algorithmic thought aimed at generating the project. TOPICS - Algorithmic Design Thinking, to train students in the use of algorithmic thinking for design research. Parametric and generative design principles are introduced to investigate architectural design. We will explore generative and constructive processes typical of algorithmic design, both useful for solving problems of complex modeling. The topic will allow to understand both approaches and experiment the results through the construction of appropriate definitions. - Computational Form Finding, to introduce the principles of computational design for research and optimization of the project shape. It will illustrate how to manage the computing potential of the computer to reach preset design goals. - Constructive Parametric Design, to apply constructive logic to parametric modeling, underlining the role of creativity in the compositional process of algorithms. The main output is the 3D responsive model. - Interoperability between models, to illustrate the relational modalities between conceptual model (consisting of primitive geometries) and construction model (characterized by parametric architectural objects) allowing the enrichment of the 3D model with morphological, physical and technological attributes. These considerations are preparatory to the learning of procedures useful for interoperability between the different disciplines of the project, highlighting the potential that arise from the encounter between the Algorithmic Aided Design and Building Information Modeling.

The atelier will includes the following teaching activities: theoretical lessons aimed to deepen parametric design concept and the related digital tools; two interdisciplinary exercises; collective critics of the students’ works: at least three collective critics involving all the teaching staff to discuss collectively a significative selection of the students proposals; individual revisions of the group work will be held by professors, assistants and tutors all during the semester. assessments of the learning level will be held during the semester: test on bibliography and digital tools, as well as assessments of the analysis and design work will be delivered.

Mario Carpo (edited by) (2013). The digital turn in architecture 1992-2012, John Wiley & Sons:Chichester (UK). Patrik Schumacher (2008). Parametricism as Style - Parametricist Manifesto, London 2008 https://rasmusbroennum.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/schumacher__patrik_-_parametricist_manifesto-2008.pdf Patrik Schumacher (2016). Parametricism 2.0: Rethinking Architecture's Agenda for the 21st Century, Academy Edition Rivka Oxman, Thinking difference: Theories and models of parametric design thinking, Design Studies Volume 52, September 2017, Pages 4-39 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142694X17300431 Attilio Nebuloni (2018). Codice e progetto. Il computational design tra architettura, design, territorio, rappresentazione, strumenti, materiali e nuove tecnologie. Mimesis :Milano. Michele Calvano (2019). Disegno digitale esplicito. Rappresentazioni responsive dell’architettura e della città. Aracne: Ariccia. Massimiliano Lo Turco (2015). Il BIM e la rappresentazione infografica del processo edilizio. Dieci anni di ricerche e applicazioni. Aracne: Ariccia.

Lecture slides; Lecture notes; Multimedia materials;

Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Individual graphic design project; Group graphic design project; Group project;

The exam will consist in a brief discussion on the semester work products including paper boards, digital models and written documents as well as a dialogue on the bibliography contents. The final assessment will take in account the following aspects evaluated through the semester deliveries, individual and in group, the final material and the final discussion: - ability to decompose the design process of the references as well as of the student’s design proposals; - critical and pertinent use of the algorithmic design tools; - pertinence of the project program implementation; - ability to communicate and represent the conception of the design process.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.