COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: RESEARCH ON FABRICATION

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
ARCH 514	C	9	3	0	0	3	6

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	Dr. Valerio Perna vperna@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	Dr. Valerio Perna vperna@epoka.edu.al , Friday, 9:30-10:30
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	M.Sc. Anisa Cenaj acenaj@epoka.edu.al
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Elective
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Master of Science in Architecture
Classroom and Meeting Time:	Wednesday, 8:40-11:30 - Studio IV
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:	75%
Course Description:	The course deals with the main principles of creation of 2D files and 3D models for the purpose of fabrication (3D Printing, CNC milling & engraving). Digital tools help designers conceptualise, communicate, and evaluate their ideas. Students will learn the basics of preparation of the 3d models and details outlines for the digital fabrication. The course includes the use of Rhinoceros, Grasshopper for Rhino, AutoCAD, and the specific software for laser cutting and 3d printing. The set of lectures is devoted to explain the main fabrication techniques and to demonstrate the process of the file preparation using specific software and to further use of the equipment of Digital Fabrication Lab.
Course Objectives:	The relationship between architecture and digital fabrication, specifically CAD/CAM processes, is no longer recent. Emerging in the final decades of the 20th century, this intersection has introduced a transformative dynamic that impacts how architecture is produced and redefines how machines are designed and conceptualised for architectural production. In recent years, we have seen a massive increase in the use of such technologies at different urban scales. Whether we refer to small intelligent installations or fully developed parametric facades, it is undeniable that the diffusion of these technologies changed the way we look at architecture and design. For this purpose, and to empower the students to orientate and master these new frontiers, the Research on Fabrication course is a rigorous exploration of the principles and techniques underpinning digital fabrication, with a particular focus on the precision and versatility offered by laser cutting technology. The course aims to explore the design opportunities arising from three common digital fabrication processes: Laser Cutting, CNC milling and 3D Printing. Assignments will be supported by an iterative exploration of each technology and material, going through a conceptual and prototyping process of design each week. • Explain what characterizes central technologies in digital fabrication. • Explain theories that are relevant to how digital fabrication involves changes for organizations and organizing. • Understand Digital Fabrication: Gain a comprehensive understanding of digital fabrication technologies and their applications in various industries. • Independently translate an idea into a tangible prototype using techniques and methods in digital fabrication. • From given circumstances, in groups, carry out design work that is materialized through prototypes based on digital fabrication. • Master Laser Cutting: Develop proficiency in laser cutting, including its principles, materials, safety protocols, and machine operation. • Design for Laser Cutting: Learn to create vector-based designs using industry-standard software, ensuring compatibility with laser cutting equipment. • AI and Architecture: latest trends and platforms and reverse engineering process from AI to 3D model • Troubleshooting Skills: Be equipped to identify and resolve common issues encountered during laser cutting processes. • Hands-on Experience: Apply your knowledge through practical projects that showcase the capabilities of digital fabrication and laser cutting. • Analyze organizational implications of digital fabrication.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	Digital Fabrication Methods
2	Laser Cutting Machine
3	Computational Design
4	Digital Fabrication Principles
5	AI in Architecture
6	Generative Architecture

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Introduction into the course.
2	AI for the art generation. Introduction into Grasshopper. Basic shapes and commands in Grasshopper. Drawing of the geometry. Move, rotate and scale.
3	History of IT and Architecture – Architects and Case Studies Grasshopper Tutorials
4	3D Printing Technologies Grasshopper Tutorials
5	Laser-cutting technology, its history, and the physics behind it. Grasshopper Tutorials
6	FIRST PRESENTATION - Parametric Design Object
7	Joint methods: Finger Joints, Box Joints, Comb Joints + Cross Sections Grasshopper Tutorials – Lab Work
8	Evolutionary Solver
9	Conducting research topics in different groups of students. Lab work
10	SECOND PRESENTATION - Parametric Design Structure
11	Grasshopper: Parametric Truss – Parametric Facade
12	AI Introduction – Technologies, Platforms and Tutorials
13	AI Workshop
14	FINAL PRESENTATION – AI Driven Project

Prerequisite(s):
Textbook(s):	Digital Fabrication In Architecture. Nick Dunn, Laurence King Publishing, 2012 Algorithmic Aided Design, Arturo Tedeschi, Le Penseur, 2014
Additional Literature:
Laboratory Work:	Yes
Computer Usage:	Yes
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	To close the gap between the virtual model, hand produced sketch and the real world fabrication
2	Be able to formulate the conceptual approach towards the design of a small object and to bring the concept from the rough idea to the working pieces
3	Demonstrate the ability to use specific modeling software and to use the laser cutting machine and 3d printing machine
4	Be able to pass from the theoretically established concept to the working 3d model and further to the real model
5	To understand the main principles of the application of AI for the concept generation and to be able to interpret the results in terms of architectural project

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Master of Science in Architecture Program

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Homework	1	5
Presentation	1	15
Project	1	40
Laboratory	1	25
Attendance		10
Other	1	5
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	15	5	75
Mid-terms			0
Assignments	3	8	24
Final examination	1	3	3
Other			0
Total Work Load:			150
Total Work Load/25(h):			6
ECTS Credit of the Course:			6

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

To be edited at the end of the semester