Introduction to Computational Design 1/6

PT01 (2 hrs)

The goal of this tutorial is to develop a clear and reproducible design strategy by defining variables, constraints and geometric transformations. Grasshopper is used to construct a parametric model and generate design variations, establishing a foundation for later performance analysis and optimisation exercises.

Introduction to Computational Design 2/6

PT02 (2 hrs)

This tutorial focuses on integrating building performance analysis into the parametric design workflow. The tutorial shows how to develop a structural or acoustic model, run simulations and conduct parametric studies to identify how design variables influence performance. The aim is to interpret performance data, compare results, and identify key design variables for optimisation.

Introduction to Computational Design 3/6

PT03 (1 hr)

This tutorial introduces design optimisation techniques to automate the search for high-performing solutions in high-dimensional design spaces. The tutorial demonstrates how to use Genetic Algorithms to improve one specific aspect of design performance (e.g., structural efficiency or acoustic quality). The goal is to fine-tune the design through several optimisation iterations and progressively enhance the design performance.

Introduction to Computational Design 4/6

PT04 (1.5 hrs)

This tutorial extends optimisation methods to address multiple design objectives simultaneously. The tutorial demonstratie how to explore trade-offs between competing performance criteria (e.g., structural, acoustic, and geometric objectives) using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithms (MOGAs). The focus is on visualising and interpreting the evolution of the Pareto front and making informed decisions in the presence of performance trade-offs.

Introduction to Computational Design 5/6

PT05 (3 hrs)

This tutorial introduces computational strategies for subdividing design forms into mesh faces or polylines, with a focus on non-uniform subdivision and topology generation. In parallel, the assignment addresses the generation of fractal vertical support systems through recursive functions. During the tutorial you will implement either a custom tessellation strategy or a recursive geometry generation process using Python scripting within Grasshopper. The tutorial extends a base parametric model by integrating geometric and construction-related considerations into the computational workflow.

Introduction to Computational Design 6/6

FAQ

Acoustics

Do I need more than one sound source for the acoustics simulation?
No. One sound source is sufficient to run the simulation and evaluate the acoustic performance.

What should I do if the acoustics simulation is slow or not working properly?
First, try lowering the simulation settings to reduce computation time. If the simulation still does not run as expected, check the minimum distance between the sound source and the target, as well as the relevant tolerance settings. A dedicated video demonstrates how to lower the simulation settings and troubleshoot these common issues.

Structural Analysis

Can I combine different types of structural elements in the structural model?
Yes. A structural model can combine different element types. For example, a model can be constructed using both shell elements and beam elements, allowing different parts of the structure to be represented according to their structural behaviour.

Fitness Landscape

Why can’t I see the mesh edges when plotting a fitness landscape?
Before plotting the graph, make sure that Preview Mesh Edges is activated in Grasshopper. This allows the mesh structure to be displayed correctly and makes the fitness landscape easier to interpret.

What can I do if the fitness landscape has very large peaks?
If some peaks dominate the graph and make the rest of the fitness landscape difficult to see, you can cap the graph along the Z-axis. Limiting the Z-axis range makes it easier to visualise the overall shape and compare different areas of the fitness landscape.