From Analog to Digital: Double Curved Lightweight Structures in Architectural Design Education

Abstract

The paper describes an architectural design studio for 5th year students at the Department of Architecture of the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece. The educational objective of the studio is the design of double curved lightweight structures, employing a creative methodology which instrumentalizes the study of nature as a source of inspiration. The objective of the course is to familiarize the students with curves and form-finding (analogue and digital) with the aim to design forms that display structural stability. The paper will highlight the educational gains from a hybrid design methodology which employs both analog (physical) form-finding tools and digital modeling for the design of double curvature surfaces. © 2020, Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe. All rights reserved.