Visualising and Simulating Future Cities

ETH Zurich
14–26 June 2010

Students must arrive by: Sunday 13 June 2010

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• Course Description
• Target Audience
  
• Delivery Method
• Assessment Details
• Accommodation
  
• Costs
• Further Information

Course Description

After learning new Urban Design Simulation instruments at the ETH Zürich Chair for Information Architecture, you will design a future city.

The Chair for Information Architecture investigates visualization and simulation methods to develop seamlessly interconnected computer-assisted design and simulation processes. Research goals of the Chair are the fundamentals of knowledge visualization and the integration of simulations. The Chair’s educational and practice goal is the design and simulation of sustainable future cities and to manage complexity.

This course provides step-by-step introductions to basic knowledge for visualizing city schemes through computer-based methods and field trips inside Switzerland.

The goal of the course is to familiarize the students with a novel, computer-assisted design process and test its application within the field of architecture.

Target Audience

The course is aimed at Bachelor and Master students with a background in architecture, engineering or computer science.

Delivery Method

The two weeks will be divided into three modules with the following subjects:

Module 1: From human perception of urban qualities to interactive Multi-Touch-Table Applications

• Theory: Knowledge Visualization and Urban Scenario Planning
• Using the ETH Value Lab to comparing creative industries in Zurich and Singapore
• Exploring, perceiving and mapping qualities in a new urban development area
• Visualizing collected information in an interactive visualization on a Multi-Touch-Table

Module 2: From Script to Design

• Introduction to scripting, programming and modeling techniques in Rhinoceros 4.0 ( 3D modeling application ), required to build and control parametric architectural models
• Application of script-based  techniques in architectural and urban design
• Introduction to Rapid Prototyping (creation of physical model directly from 3D modelling application)

Module 3: From reconstructing the future to simulating sustainable future cities

• Theory: Overview of urban modeling and urban simulation techniques
• Understanding of the pros and cons of today’s digital possibilities for urban design
• Introduction to the City Engine software
• Adapting and expressing existing design intentions with these new methods

This course will incorporate lectures and a range of other learning approaches such as peer learning, small group seminars, panel discussions, field trips and workshops.

Assessment

Planned assessment includes oral presentations, written case studies, and class attendance. A confirmation of the course will be issued on demand.

On successful completion of the course students are awarded 3 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits.

Accommodation

Students will stay at Zurich Youth Hostel, which includes breakfast and is situated near the lake.

A number of cafes and restaurants are available on-campus that students may wish to utilize during this period at ETH Zurich Science City.

Costs (Swiss Francs)

Tuition fee: Waived for students from IARU member universities

Accommodation: Estimated CHF 624 in four-bed room, CHF 845 in two-bed room (13 nights)

Field-trip costs: CHF 350 - plus city bus pass: CHF 100

Estimated visa cost: Please check your local Embassy or Consulate

Estimated text book costs: NA

Estimated living expenses: CHF 550

Further Information

For further information about this course, visit www.ia.arch.ethz.ch.

Contact for further information about enrollment: Dr. Angelika Wittek (angelika.wittek@rektorat.ethz.ch).

For further information about the course, please contact Ms. Suzanne Coleman (e-mail coleman@arch.ethz.ch).