The optional courses allow the student to complete his/her own study program and to characterize his/her own training profile choosing, according to his/her own personal interests, the themes of deepening among a wide range of alternatives.

According to the Dublin Descriptors (DdD), passing the exam certifies the acquisition of the following results:

DdD 1 (knowledge and understanding), 3 (autonomy of judgment), 4 (communication skills) and 5 (learning ability)

- ability to acquire, process independently and communicate knowledge not strictly related to the subjects characterizing the Master Program (DdD 1, 3, 4 and 5)

Subject

geometrical complements of graphic tepresentation is an advanced optional course in the field of architectonic representation, devoted to interested 10th semester students who are concluding their master program (laurea magistrale) | inspired by the courses of complements of projective and descriptive geometry traditionally included in the polytechnic programs, but at the same time embodying new contents according to an updated approach, the course aims to complete the disciplinary learning trail started in the first semester with the fundamentals of representation (bachelor program) | to be consistent with the last semester learning requirements, the main focus will concern a detailed investigation of the relationships among physical space, geometrical modeling and fabrication, and graphic image in the architectural design processes | starting from a specific analysis of projective and non projective methods, techniques and instruments, some significant classic descriptive problems (spatial visualizations by means of the image) and constructive problems (spatial transformations by means of the image) will be revisited and discussed in depth, especially dwelling on some specialized subjects and applications generally not included in the basic representation curricula | looking at the long evolution of geometrical representation, and focusing on some significant steps in the history of spatial concepts, geometrical theories and graphic means from the ancient optical theories to the computer graphics era, the course would also achieve a twofold purpose: a disciplinary (or internal) one, trying to point out the links between analogue and digital representation; an interdisciplinary (o external) one, trying to point out the strong connections of both these representative approaches with design thinking, design processes

Annual theme:

DIGITAL STEREOTOMY - Geometry Processing & Construction

SUMMARY

digital graphics have enormously empowered geometrical simulation and construction in architecture | in this field stereotomy– literally the cutting of solids, by tradition mainly referred to ashlar construction in seventeenth-century french rubric – which has already inflamed the birth of modern descriptive geometry between xvi and xviii centuries is again on stage as a catalyst subject in the era of architectural geometry and digital computational design | new materials and technologies are nowadays expanding stereotomic approach from the confined area of stone construction to the wide world of architectural, urban and engineering design | moreover, further cross fertilizations are still expected from bridging native geometrical knowledge and advanced computerized simulations | starting from digitally re-mastering some selected masonry units from the treatise of philibert de l’orme, and looking at some current interesting examples - like those proposed by philippe block, josé calvo lopez, giuseppe fallacara, and others - a modern pavilion will be developed in class as a test model, according to a given topology | guidelines and any reference materials will be provided by teacher | the experimental project may be referred to a real public space| projects can be developed individually, or in groups of 2 students

 prospective class activities:

> block 1 (3-4 weeks): shakedown - framing topic and digital re-mastering of selected key geometric samples

> block 2 (about 3 weeks): project envisioning - concept development and shape finding

mid term critics (1 week): public presentation – discussion

> block 3 (3-4 weeks): project development - shape definition and building simulation

final critics & conclusion (last week) - final layout and visualization, discussion

exam: 2 dates per semester - according to the academic calendar

SOFTWARE

since language shift from analogue to digital geometry and graphics processes is a relevant educational issue of the course, the following targeted software is recommended (free educational version): rhinoceros (required), grasshopper (recommended), rhino-vault and revit-vault (check only)

OUTCOMES

the semester work will be formatted in 1 poster (70x100cm) and some slides (1 per lecture) | learning and design processes will be also summarized in a short scientific report of 2 pages (abstract) including images and references | layout and templates provided by teacher and uploaded on beep | students will also record class contents and learning progesses on a personal sketchbook | selected results might be submitted to international conference boards or to scientific journals 

EXTRA

academic internships available to interested students | possibly, master theses tutorship available as well

INFO

all other info available in due time on the polimi course web-page and beep | contacts: luigi.cocchiarella@polimi.it

the exam is individual, consisting of a final discussion focusing on the work developed by the student and on the theoretical contents of the course program | the grade will be given on the base of the quality of paper, drawings and models, public presentations, final discussion | if necessary, preliminary intermediate evaluations will be scheduled during the semester | a digital copy of the work, including rough and fair copy of notes, lessons, drawings, models, maquettes, writings, abstracts, papers, presentation, will be put on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM and delivered before the exam, according to the deadline fixed by the teacher

the evaluation aims to check the achievement of the following educational goals:

_oral text: knowledge and understanding; making judgements; communication skills
_class work evalutaion: applying knowledge and understanding; making judgements; learning skills; communication skills

since sudents will be required to work in groups (of 2 students) the aptitude and the ability to work in team will be tested as well

students who can not follow the class activities can prepare the required materials individually or in group, the assignment for the exam will be discussed and checked in advance during sceduled consultations with the teacher.

open access to several volumes