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Computational Design OpenCourseWare: A Free Undergraduate Course by MIT on Computational Design Methods

Published Feb 22, 2009

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'Computational Design I: Theory' examines the use of shape grammars for conducting design analysis. It is a free course that is provided by the MIT OpenCourseWare initiative. Students interested in design-related disciplines, such as product design, graphic design or media design will benefit from this undergraduate-level course.

Computational Design I: Theory and Applications: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

Computational Design I: Theory and Applications: Course Description

'Computational Design I: Theory and Application' is a free course offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Architecture. This OpenCourseWare, which is taught over a series of lectures by Professor Terry Knight, concentrates on the use of computational design methods used for visual design analysis Students will gain exposure to the fundamental concepts of shape grammars, one of the first algorithm systems used for creating and understanding designs. Shape grammars are explored through applications addressing a variety of design problems. In addition, there is a review of formal theories of computation, including Turing, Godel and Church. The first lecture commences with an introduction to history of computation, production systems, generative grammar and artificial life. In other lectures students will study computational design from several perspectives covering topics, such as shape representation and rules, the arithmetic of shapes, creative design and predictability.

The materials for 'Computational Design I: Theory and Applications' consist of lecture notes that are available in downloadable PDF files and a list of related readings. If you would like to take advantage of this course, visit the computational design course page.

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