Architecture students use a lot of software in design projects during their study at the TU Delft. Some example fields are:
- modelling and prototyping designs;
- presenting and simulating models, audio-visually and interactively;
- parametric modelling and scripting for generation and simulation;
- data, information and knowledge processing (“intelligent modelling”).
To present BSc students with a solid base concerning the use of ICT within the architectural domain, the Design Informatics chair of the Faculty of Architecture offers several course materials, tutorials and software documentation related to the application of ICT in Architecture, Design and education for free via the digital repository of DigiPedia. TU Delft OpenCourseWare presents links to these constantly updated tutorials. We do not provide the software or licenses to the software though; you can obtain the software through the appropriate channels.
For designers who are exploring new shapes using generative algorithms, Grasshopper is a graphical algorithm editor tightly integrated with Rhino’s 3-D modeling tools. Unlike RhinoScript, Grasshopper requires no knowledge of programming or scripting, but still allows designers to build form generators from the simple to the awe-inspiring. This is a great tool for architecture students as it enables them to explore different designs using Rhino quickly. DigiPedia provides a Grasshopper tutorial which is outlined below.
- What is Grasshopper? In this short section Grasshopper is introduced.
- Basic understanding of Grasshopper: Here a short introduction is given on the use of Grasshopper. The use of components is treated and links are given to more in-depth Grasshopper tutorials.
- Getting started: This section treats the user interface of Grasshopper and also includes several tutorials that explain the use of Grasshopper with the help of concrete examples.
- Recommended reading: This chapter includes several links to websites and blogs that are dedicated to the use of Grasshopper.
Purpose-built for building information modeling (BIM), Revit Architecture helps architects and designers capture and analyze early concepts, and then better maintain designs through documentation and construction. Enjoy a more collaborative, integrated building design process and use BIM workflows to help drive more efficient sustainable design analysis and more. Architecture students can use Revit Architecture during the whole process of designing and visualising a building. DigiPedia provides a Revit Architecture tutorial which is outlined below.
- Interface: Here the Revit interface and navigation is treated.
- Tools: This section treats the different drawing, modifying and measuring tools present in Revit.
- Views: Here it is explained how to generate different views in Revit to clarify a design.
- Project setup: In this section it is explained how to setup a Revit project such that work can be done effectively.
- Modelling: In this section the drawing of basic elements, openings and stairs is treated.
- Types: This section introduces the use of Revit types. Types make it easier to create a high level of detail.
- Building Information Modelling: This section explains the BIM design approach and treats how it can be used during the design phase.
- Links: Here links are given to other useful Revit Architecture resources.
Rhino can create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS curves, surfaces, and solids with no limits on complexity, degree, or size. Rhino also supports polygon meshes and point clouds. Architechture students can use Rhino to make fought 3D models of their designs which later on can be refined. DigiPedia provides a Rhino tutorial which is outlined below.
- Introduction: Here the interface, navigation and the use of modeling aids in Rhino is treated.
- Modelling: This section treats curve based modelling, solid modelling and surface editing. It also includes a step-by-step guide for modelling Corbusier’s Villa Savoye in Rhino.
- Rapid prototyping: Here the use of Rhino in combination with a computer controlled milling machine is treated.
- File exchange: Here the export and import capabilities of Rhino are treated.
- Visualisation: This section explains shortly that 2D vector drawings can be exported from Illustrator. The section appears to be under construction.