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Design Computing OpenCourseWare: A Free Undergraduate Architectural Design Course by MIT

Published Feb 19, 2009

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The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers this free course that explores computer aided architectural design and computation. 'Introduction to Design Computing' looks at three components of design computing, computer modeling, rendering and digital fabrication. Students who are concerned with how computers are used to design and construct buildings, particularly students completing programs like a bachelor's degree in Architectural Design, will benefit from the themes covered in this undergraduate-level course.

Introduction to Design Computing: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

Introduction to Design Computing: Course Description

Digital technology has had an impact on every facet of our lives including a multitude of disciplines. Architectural design is no exception. Advancements in computer aided design (CAD), which is the process of designing buildings and structures using a computer and the appropriate software program, has fundamentally alter the architectural design process. 'Introduction to Design Computing' is an OpenCourseWare provided by the MIT Department of Architecture that serves as an introduction to architectural design with an emphasis placed on the use of CAD drawings, 3-D models, design techniques, rendering and fabrication. The lecturer is Professor Lawrence Sass. Students will gain the practical knowledge and skills necessary for design computing by covering topics. Students will also develop an understanding of the process of rapid prototyping, which is the method of taking virtual components that are created by computer aided design (CAD) and converting them into cross-sections for the purpose of producing functional prototypes.

The materials for this course includes downloadable lecture notes, recitations, assignments, projects and a list of recommended reading for the course. To learn more, visit the design computing course page.

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