Generative Design

Employing computer programming, generative design quantifies and integrates architectural elements of environments, function, space, construction, and economy to generate novel and rational designs. Architectural generative design grows up with the development of Computer-Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) and has gradually become a self-contained research field. With the new method and tool of analyzing architectural elements, generative design reveals the possibilities for the field of Architecture to approach a new science of architectural design. As a sophisticated orchestration of random processes, generative design redefines the boundary between certainty and uncertainty, artificial and natural, imagination and induction, art and science.

Digital Fabrication

Digital fabrication supports an iterative design process that continuously integrates material, machines, form and structure. Computational design & fabrication presented a historic reunion of design and construction. To formalize design ideas, we develop computational models that do not only encapsulate the design logics, but also incorporate the procedure for their digital fabrication. The aim is not only to improve the precision and the efficiency of construction, but also to open up new design spaces. The Institute of Architectural Algorithms & Applications has focused on digital fabrication since 2007, and created a series of research projects, student works, and architectural projects.

Physical Computing

Physical computing aims to integrate embedded technology, wireless sensor network technology, human-computer interaction technology and other advanced technologies into the architectural design process and built environment, to provide new design methods,  to improves the informationization and intelligence of buildings. In the field of education, Students learn about the basic principles and technical means of physical computing by designing and making interactive art installations. In terms of research, The Institute independently developed a high-precision indoor behavior acquisition system and data analysis algorithm, which has been successfully used by research institutions at home and abroad.