Opening of the Institute for Computational Design (ICD) at the University of
Stuttgart. Inauguration Lecture by Prof. Achim Menges
In recent years, the impact of computer processes on the fields of design,
planning and construction has accelerated. Never before has such a broad
range of technologies been available to architects within such a short
period of time. This is different to the proliferation and use of Computer
Aided Design (CAD) as a digital drawing tool, and means for efficient
project planning and coordination. The technologies available address the
growing importance of computational design as a novel, integrative and
substantial design tool that poses the need for fundamental changes in
design methodology for architectural practice.
For the teaching and research of this topic, the Institute for Computational
Design at the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of
Stuttgart has been newly founded under the direction of Professor Achim
Menges, who has previously taught for seven years at the renowned
Architectural Association in London. The scientific team, lead by Professor
Menges and consisting of experts who recently completed their studies in
London, have been employed since the beginning of the year and are
investigating the possibilities of an architectural design process that
navigates the complex interactions of material, shape, structure, and
environment through generative, computational processes. The research has
focused on new techniques, such as parametric, algorithmic and evolutionary
design strategies, to introduce functional, constructive, and creative
values to the initial stages of a design process that intends to find
potential solutions in the integration of such criteria.
On July 9th, Prof. Achim Menges, in his Inaugural lecture, will describe the
intentions for the teaching and research of the Institute. As a part of the
event, Brett Steele, director of the Architectural Association of London,
will lecture on the future challenges of architectural training and
practice.
The event takes places from 19.00h to 21.00h at the University of Stuttgart,
Kepler Strasse 17 in Auditorium 17.02. The Institute website is also online
at http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de.
In the course of its teaching and research, the Institute for Computational
Design at the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of
Stuttgart relies on Rhino quite heavily. Here some work that has been done
by the researchers, as well as the students through courses being taught by
the institute.
