HEATHER LIGLER

 

Constructing
Architectural Theory
[fall semester]
Florida Atlantic University
School of Architecture

One of the most challenging and important things to learn as an architectural student is how to read and interpret the language of architecture. This involves understanding conventions of representation and the design concepts or principles that are not explicitly defined in a design but require close observation and learning to see as an architect. This seeing is a mode of critical thinking that we aim to develop in this course by working back and forth between modes of analysis (with diagrams) and modes of synthesis (with shape rules and grammars). The diagram then becomes a mechanism for reading a precedent, and the rule, or algorithm, becomes a way to rewrite and recalculate relationships interpreted from existing designs. Together, these equivalent modes allow us to construct our own theories and narratives in a fundamentally architectural and designerly way: through drawing and modeling them. This also allows us to develop a foundation for thinking critically about the nature of calculation and computation in architecture.

Introduction to
Shape Grammars
[fall semester]
Pennsylvania State University
Stuckeman School

Shape grammars are a powerful formalism for the generative description of designs and a key discourse in design computation. In this course, the theory of shapes, shape rules, schemata, languages of designs, and more will be introduced, providing students with a foundation in the rule-based specification of designs. Critical and creative applications in the arts, architecture, landscape, urbanism, product design, and engineering will be discussed to understand shape grammars as a visual approach to design computation with broad potential for design and research. Through weekly readings and in-class discussions, workshop assignments, and an individual project, we will develop an introductory understanding of the theoretical foundations of shape grammars. 

Programming 
for Artists and Designers
aka
Design Scripting
[spring semester]
Pennsylvania State University
Stuckeman School

This course introduces fundamentals of computer programming in Python Rhinoscript, which offers the advantage of using geometric and visual examples to write programs that generate designs. The main objective is to learn and use a programming language to explore the creative power of code as a medium. Python’s readable syntax makes it ideal for beginners and adaptable for those interested in developing coding skills in other programming languages. The basic constructs of programming are taught to develop scripts for design iteration, generation, analysis and evolution. In parallel, the course will present various paradigms for computation in design including parametric design, procedural modeling, and rule-based design. The practical part of the course includes a series of biweekly exercises, as well as a project to create a tool to solve a design problem. The project may address different scales, including art, architecture, engineering, landscape, product, or graphic design.