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Building Construction and Architectural Engineering

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PARAMETRIC MODELING AND DIGITAL SURVEY
Module PARAMETRIC MODELING

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: CETTINA SANTAGATI

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course provides students with a critical approach to the computer tool aimed at the design, representation, and dissemination of architectural design through parametric modeling techniques.

The program shares the following Agenda 2030 objectives:

  • SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: promotes digitalization and modernization of infrastructure.

  • SDG 4 – Quality Education: development of digital skills and new professional profiles.

  • SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: technological innovation as a driver for new qualified employment.

  • SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: protection and enhancement of historical, artistic, and cultural heritage

Course Structure

The course consists of theory lessons, envisioned to critically understand the available instruments and the areas of applications, and practical exercises addressed to achieve familiarity with the IT tool. During the course, there will be organized several workshops to deepen some fundamental arguments.

Required Prerequisites

It is recommended that students have already taken Architectural Drawing 2 and Laboratory, History of Architecture 1 and 2 courses.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is mandatory. The student is required to attend at least 70% of the course lectures.

Detailed Course Content

The course will address the following topics:

 - Computer-based modeling techniques (NURBS, polygonal, solid);

-Parametric and algorithmic modeling through VPL (visual programming language);

- BIM for the design and maintenance of the built heritage

- Rendering, animation, and virtual reality.

In-depth seminars on specific topics will also be organized, inviting experts from the sector.

Textbook Information

Riccardo Migliari.(2004).Disegno come modello/Drawing as Model. Edizioni Kappa. Roma.

 

Calvano Michele.(2019). Disegno Digitale Esplicito. Rappresentazioni Responsive Dell’architettura e Della Città; Aracne Editrice: Roma,Italy; ISBN978-88-255-2484-0

 

Tedeschi, A.(2014). AAD Algorithms-aided design: Parametric strategies using Grasshopper. Napoli: Edizioni Le Penseur

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Tecniche di modellazione computer based(NURBS, poligonale, solida)dispense su STUDIUM
2Parametric and algorithmic modelling through VPL (visual programming language)dispense su STUDIUM
3BIM for the design and maintenance of the built heritagedispense su STUDIUM
4Rendering, animation and virtual reality.dispense su STUDIUM

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The examination consists of an oral discussion, which can only take place after submission of the assignments related to the exercises carried out during the course. During the oral examination, the student may be asked to open the files of their work on the computer in order to carry out tests. 

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

Difference between mathematical and polygonal modeling;

Parametric modeling using VPL;

BIM for design

H-BIM for the built environment

Setting up a scene for rendering