M2 Module two is an exploration of procedurally generated forms, free of any architectural constraints. Hammer and chisel are abstracted and replaced by formulas and algorithms. Material is initially reduced to vertices, edges, and faces, before being reconstituted though a digital fabrication process.No longer is a single object the focus of our attention. Instead we are concerned with generating entire families of forms, using processes who‘s potential is iteratively explored. The design itself does not take place on the level of the output, but rather on the level of the procedures that generate the output. Complexity is no longer an obstacle that needs to be eliminated. Instead we view it as a quality that may emerge from even the simplest processes. The diversity and level of detail that can thus be achieved are unthinkable using design standard processes. In addition to exploring generative processes, module two also serves as an introduction to programming. Students will use Processing, a derivative of Java that was conceived particularly to create images, animations, interactions, and 3D form.

The program is divided into three distinct weeks:

1. Introduction to Programming, taught by Hua Hoa. In the first week students will become familiar with basic programming concepts using the Processing language. Students will complete a series of mini-exercises: – The re-creation of a 20th century painting using code – The design, development of and implementation of a simple video game – The generation of a parametric facade for a buildingClasses will focus not only on programming concepts, but also on means to visualize, fabricate, and more generally communicate the coded object.

2. Workshop One: From Idea to Code by Karsten Schmidt, aka Toxi , of Postspectacular.

Karsten Schmidt will lead the first of two workshops focused on generative processes. He will introduce students to a variety of 3-dimensional geometrical concepts, including both mesh and voxel-based forms. Students will explore concepts such as catenary meshes, particle systems and spring systems. The workshop will also serve as an introduction to object-orientated programming, and it will make use of extensive open source libraries. Students will be asked to explore a generative process of their chosing in more detail, and to develop permutations of forms based on this process.

3. Workshop Two: From Code to Fabrication by Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse.Louis Rosenberg of Nervous System.

The second workshop, taught by Nervous System, will continue the exploration of generative processes and will focus specifically on how their output can be fabricated. Students will become familiar with to various morphogenetic systems such as cellular automata and reaction-diffusion processes. Nervous System will draw parallels with natural processses, demonstrating how these can be simulated, controlled, and ultimately modified to express design ideas and to meet specific performative criteria. Students will produce permutations of an everyday 3D object by applying reaction-diffusion process, and they will each print one of these objects using the 3D printer.

Workshop Critiques.

Students will present their finished projects on the Monday after the workshop in front of the CAAD department. The workshop leaders will join via video-conferencing.

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