Morphological Adaptation

Online-Zoom-April 9-11th 2022
The workshop explores Genetic Algorithms as an exploratory and optimisation process using Snowflake - a newly developed interactive plugin and applies the developed method to design high-rise morphologies in a selected urban context.

The workshop introduces participants to the working principles of engaging with GAs to solve multi-objective optimisation problems first, then moving into a more advanced level of interacting with the algorithm to guide the evolution to reflect the participant's intuition or preference. Using Snowflake, the newly developed interactive plug-in, the learned design process will be applied to generate multi-story morphologies on a selected site. Participants will learn how to formulate the design problem as input data to the algorithm and how to interact with the algorithm to guide the generation and selection process. The outcome of the design exercise will incorporate quantitative performance-based objectives and qualitative intuitive ones. The proposed process attempts to create a dialogue between human intuition and genetic algorithms that may enable a varied and richer space of viable design solutions.

EVOLVING MORPHOLOGIES

OnLine Jun. 29-Jul 03, 2021
The workshop will explore Interactivity in Genetic Algorithms as an exploratory and optimisation process and apply the developed method to design high-rise morphologies in a selected urban context.
Genetic algorithms are based on simulated biological evolution as a problem-solving machine. They are well known for solving multi-objective optimisation problems. Additionally, they have also been adopted by other creative domains such as art, music, fashion, industrial design and architecture. They are of particular interest to architects as they produce a population of design solutions rather than just a single design. They offer variational solutions related to the formulation of the design problem by each designer. As architectural design is inherently multi-objective and involves the negotiation of many often conflicting quantitative and qualitative objectives, the architect’s intervention in the evolutionary loop became essential to guide such complexity beyond the mere optimisation and towards incorporating the designer’s subjective judgement.

NOn-linear formations

Dubai March 31 - April 03, 2019
Generative processes suggest new ways of integrating computation in the design process. Non-linear formations aim to explore the potential of generative growth processes to produce formations of different scales and complexity. Natural growth processes share common traits, such as being non-linear, rule-based, and iterative. Drawing a parallel between natural systems behaviour and computer growth processes such as branching systems, diffusion-limited aggregation and other rule-based processes, we will develop non-linear growth processes and will evaluate the spatial results and forms across a wide range of scales - from Material to Architectural scale. 

Performative Design 0.2

Isa Town, Bahrain Jun. 22-26, 2018
Designing with environmental sensibility is evolving as a vital subject in architecture on both professional and academic levels. We are at a critical moment where environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important in the design process. Set in a studio environment, the workshop will introduce an integrated approach to designing multi-story buildings with environmental sensibility. It will provide participants with tools and techniques to integrate environmental data and site-specific issues early in the design process and be able to respond to them in their design. It will also focus on teaching students how to deploy these principles as a design strategy for different types of projects.

Complexity parameterized-03

Dubai, Jan. 04 - 06, 2018
The recent development of sophisticated computational design tools has instigated new ways of integrating computation in the design process, both within architecture and engineering disciplines. The new set of digital tools has infiltrated a bottom-up system to open the design space towards a high level of complexity. The integration of these tools allowed the architect to generate and control complex information derived from a manifold of sources. Fabricated Topologies-Beginners is a 3-day workshop designed for participants with no experience in Grasshopper or parametric design techniques. The program will introduce them to both the theoretical and technical knowledge required to explore the possibilities of the new design medium. The workshop will also prepare participants for the entry-level of the intermediate/advanced workshop Fabricated Topologies, which will take place on Jan 17-21, 2017.

Behavioral Topologies

Dubai, Jan 17-20, 2018
Behavioral Topologies investigated the relationship between topology and form-finding strategies. Participants have developed their own selected projects using techniques presented in the workshop.  Workshop exercises explored the use of Polygonal Modeling in combination with Particle Systems, Structural Analysis, Topology Optimization, Evolutionary Solvers and Vectorial Fields to design forms of different scales and complexity. The proposed workflow combined the use of Maya, Rhino, and Grasshopper with some plug-ins such as Kangaroo, Millipede, Weaverbird, and others. During the workshop, participants were introduced to polygonal modeling in Maya, visual programming in grasshopper, and learned how to prepare their final model for 3D Printing. 

inFORMed Clay

Dubai 10-12 Nov. 2017
The three-day workshop explored new possibilities of robots and digital materialization to redefine artefact design far beyond the pre-determined creation of forms. Through the code-matter-machine interaction process, inFORMed Clay participants studied the potential emergent behaviours of the system as well as learnt and exerted a new sensibility to the computational design/fabrication process by tapping into the self-organization properties of matter as a key factor in determining characteristics of the output shape. The aim was to go beyond the current state of prototyping, wherein the physical prototype is a clone of its digital counterpart, thus making fabrication a pure replication phase. Instead, by coding and embedding additional levels of information related to defining robotic behaviour and material properties, the production and digital fabrication phases become an integral part of the design process.

Complexity Parameterized_02

Dubai, Sep. 21 - 23, 2017
The recent development of sophisticated computational design tools has instigated new ways of integrating computation in the design process, both within architecture and engineering disciplines. The new set of digital tools has infiltrated a bottom-up system to open the design space towards a high level of complexity. The integration of these tools allowed the architect to generate and control complex information derived from a manifold of sources. Fabricated Topologies-Beginners is a 3-day workshop designed for participants with no experience in Grasshopper or parametric design techniques. The program will introduce them to both the theoretical and technical knowledge required to explore the possibilities of the new design medium. The workshop will also prepare participants for the entry-level of the intermediate / advanced workshop Fabricated Topologies, which will take place on Jan 17-21, 2017.

Complexity Parameterized 0.1

Baghdad, Sep. 10 - 12, 2017
The recent development of sophisticated computational design tools has instigated new ways of integrating computation in the design process, both within architecture and engineering disciplines. The new set of digital tools has infiltrated a bottom-up system to open the design space towards a high level of complexity. The integration of these tools allowed the architect to generate and control complex information derived from a manifold of sources. Fabricated Topologies-Beginners is a 3-day workshop designed for participants with no experience in Grasshopper or parametric design techniques. The program will introduce them to both the theoretical and technical knowledge required to explore the possibilities of the new design medium. The workshop will also prepare participants for the entry-level of the intermediate / advanced workshop Fabricated Topologies, which will take place on Jan 17-21, 2017.

Encoded Memory 1.0

Dubai, April 4th-8th, 2017
The five-day workshop explored the potential of machine learning neural networks in developing an urban fabric of a particular sector in Dubai. We demonstrated how the parametric model can be presented to the network and how it influences its effectiveness and decision-making process in directing the design workflow. The workshop tested multiple data inputs and explored the network response based on the self-learning generative nature of the network. Based on the network interpretation of the input data, participants were able to visualise the network growth outcome and understand its data interpretation and decision-making process. The system's behaviour was therefore developed by assessing its propagation on a basic organisation level, then developing it to work on a variety of urban levels.

Fabricated Topologies

Dubai, Jan 17 - 21, 2017
Fabricated Topologies” explored form-finding techniques using complex mesh topologies to generate and fabricate different scale prototypes. The five-day workshop introduced participants to parametric design to fabrication workflow using force-based form-finding techniques to generate, simulate, fabricate, and assemble different scale prototypes using a combination of Rhino/Grasshopper with selected plug-ins such as Kangaroo, Ivy, Weaverbird, and a few others.  Different topologies have been developed due to a negotiation between the applied forces, the selected material, and the design intent as set by the different participants. 

Fabricated Topologies - Entry Level

Dubai, Jan 5 - 7, 2017
The recent development of sophisticated computational design tools has instigated new ways of integrating computation in the design process, both within architecture and engineering disciplines. The new set of digital tools has infiltrated a bottom-up system to open the design space to a high level of complexity. The integration of these tools allowed the architect to generate and control complex information derived from a manifold of sources. Fabricated Topologies-Beginners is a 3-day workshop designed for participants without experience in Grasshopper or parametric design techniques. The program will introduce them to both the theoretical and technical knowledge required to explore the possibilities of the new design medium. The workshop will also prepare participants for the entry-level of the intermediate / advanced workshop Fabricated Topologies, which will take place on Jan 17-21, 2017.

Growth

3d printing jewellery inspired by nature

Dubai, Oct. 29, 2016
As part of Dubai Design Week, Growth is an introductory 3d printing event that aims to introduce people to the possibilities offered by the 3d-printing technology. The process integrates personal data taken from each participant, such as their date of birth or anniversary, and translates it into a 3d printing piece in the form of jewellery. The printed pieces are inspired by algorithmic structures taken from growth systems found in nature to produce unique design artefacts. They exhibit a variety of natural forms and patterns, and each relates to the personal data fed by the participant.

Materialize

Dubai Jan 27 - 30, 2016
The Materialize workshop aims to explore the relationship between form generation, materials, and applied forces. This process, referred to as topological optimisation, seeks to optimise material distribution within a certain boundary condition. It thus entails a shift from traditional form-finding techniques to processes of a generative and performative nature by assuming a seamless integration of geometry, material, and performance.

We will be exploring matter and agent behaviour through Grasshopper (with Millipede, Anemone and Cocoon plugins), interrogating the aesthetic potential of Topological Optimization and Multi-Agent Systems to generate material-driven adaptive structures.  This workshop will introduce the starting knowledge for further research on the subject of materiality as a design input that informs form generation. 

Parametric Shadows

Dubai, July 29-31, 2016
Parametric Shadows is a design-to-fabrication workshop which employs parametric design techniques to design and fabricate a lamp shed.  The 4-day workshop- which runs over two weekends - has been designed for participants with no previous experience in Grasshopper or parametric design techniques. The workshop program will introduce them to both the theoretical and technical knowledge required to explore possibilities of the new design medium, then to apply the learning techniques to design and fabricate a parametric skin that will be adopted as a lamp shed, produced with a laser cutter or a 3d printer. The workshop aims to teach students principles of parametric design and the process of taking their design out of the computer and into realisation.

Reparameterized 0.6

Dubai, May 13 - 15, 2015
The recent development of sophisticated computational design tools has instigated new ways of integrating computation in the design process, both within architecture and engineering disciplines. The new set of digital tools has infiltrated a bottom-up system to open the design space to a high level of complexity. The integration of these tools allowed the architect to generate and control complex information derived from a manifold of sources. Reparameterized is a 2-day workshop designed for participants without experience in Grasshopper or parametric design techniques. The program will introduce them to both the theoretical and technical knowledge required to explore the possibilities of the new design medium.

Performative Skins

Muscat, Jan 05 - 09, 2016
Throughout the engagement of parametric digital tools, the Performative Skins workshop will introduce participants to the logic and principles of parametric design. It will apply the learned techniques in a design exercise to explore this paradigm shift. By introducing different methods of creating variations within the subdivided surface in response to specific forces, system differentiation will be created due to a feedback loop and negotiations between the applied environmental forces and the participant’s aesthetic sensibility. This data-driven process will transform the role of patterns from being decorative additive elements into performative integral ones with technical responsibilities for daylight modulation, temperature control, and space enclosure. The workshop aims to explore new design possibilities based on the mapping of selected contextual forces and to expand the design space towards data-driven, performance-oriented design. 

in.FORM.ation

Dubai, May 29 - Jun 01, 2015
"the Basis of the Universe Isn’t Matter or Energy ... It’s Data"  - James Gleick - WIRED

 The space where we live can be monitored in many ways, and it appears even more to be in a state of flux - a gradient of data in continuous evolution and change. Our understanding of the surrounding environment is improving daily due to our ability to scan and sample the environment around us at increasing resolution using better technologies and sensors. Hence, the space is revealed, beyond its physical boundaries, as an ever-changing data field. Our capability to act and design the space itself can be enhanced by the use of specific tools which can inform the design process with more accurate, specific and adaptable manifold of data streams and patterns. 

InFORMed Verticality

Dubai, Jan 30 - Feb 03, 2015
InFORMed Verticality is an advanced Grasshopper workshop that aims to explore ‘data embodiment strategies’ to inform the generation of vertical digital morphologies by integrating a specific set of conditions and rules. We will be exploring data processing methodologies of self-organizing processes to generate digital systems using advanced mesh modelling techniques and assess their application in the development of differentiated complex systems of vertical structures, starting with a simple formation and moving into more complex ones. The aim is to teach participants algorithmic design methodologies by integrating selected information and data articulation to generate spatial and architectural vertical formations.

Expon-tial

Dubai, Sep 2 - 6, 2014
EXPOn-tial is an Advanced Grasshopper workshop aimed to explore the potential of growth processes and assess their application in the development of an urban fabric. Natural growth processes share common traits, such as being non-linear, rule-based, and iterative. Drawing a parallel between natural systems behaviour and computer growth processes such as branching systems, diffusion-limited aggregation and other rule-based processes, we developed non-linear growth processes and evaluated the spatial results and forms across a wide range of scales - from Material to Urban scale. The behaviour of growth processes depended largely on material properties as they influenced clustering and distribution across a terrain.  The system was developed by assessing their potential character on a basic level of organization first, then developing it to work on adaptation processes of autonomous, coherent objects on various scales.

Reparameterized 0.1

Dubai, May 16 - 17, 2014
The recent development of sophisticated computational design tools has instigated new ways of integrating computation in the design process within architecture and engineering disciplines. The new set of digital tools has infiltrated a bottom-up system to open the design space to a high level of complexity. The integration of these tools allowed the architect to generate and control complex information derived from a manifold of sources. Reparameterized is a 2.5-day workshop designed for participants without experience in Grasshopper or parametric design techniques. The program will introduce them to the theoretical and technical knowledge required to explore the possibilities of the new design medium.

Responsive Skins - Mashrabiya Reparameterized

Dubai, April 2-5, 2014
Throughout the engagement of parametric digital tools, the workshop will introduce design exercises to re-visit the traditional Mashrabiya and liberate it from its repetitive pattern and form. By introducing different methods of creating variations within the subdivided surface in response to certain forces, the new parametric skin will become responsive to different levels of interactions. New levels of transparency will thus arise from a communicative act between the observer and the observed, between light and dark, between movement and stillness, and between openness and enclosure. The dialectical relation between the skin, which implies enclosing, and transparency, which suggests the opposite, will be re-examined in the new data-driven responsive skin.

Adaptive Skins

Dubai, Jan 28 - Feb 1, 2014
Over the last two decades, the digital revolution instigated new typologies of architectural skins and patterns. Patterns started to acquire a new role in the architectural form, moving beyond their historical symbolic decorative role into spatial devices, correlating with form structural and environmental properties. The workshop explored this paradigm shift of the function of patterns from being decorative additive elements into performative integral elements with technical responsibilities for daylight modulation, temperature control, and space enclosure.