School // USC Graduate School of Architecture

I recently shared a course synopsis from my future graduate school with some people from the office...it reads something like this (definitions below):

Lecture: Swarm Intelligence - Scripting Workshop

The Scripting Workshop examined the role of agency within generative design processes. Algorithmic techniques were utilized in the development of a computational methodology grounded in swarm intelligence. Scripting formed the basis for algorithmic models that enabled localized interaction of agents to generate emergent topologies in the design of proto-architectural forms and urban structures. 

Unlike the typical application of swarm systems in design, this workshop did not engage simply in the mapping of these complex systems, but instead, mined the self-organizing potential of the systems to negotiate between a complex set of desires and parameters in the generation of proto-architectural and urban structures. In addition, recognizing that computational design is shifting away from a reliance on heavy platforms such as Maya's MEL scripting language to lightweight object-oriented programming environments, the workshop focused on the latter.

Definitions:
agency: the means by which an end is reached
generative design processes: architecture
algorithmic techniques: math equations
computational methodology: type in some numbers to get a building
swarm intelligence: disorganization
localized interaction of agents: how your building goes together
emergent topologies: blobs & spikes
proto-architectural: ugly
self-organizing potential: it does all the work; pick the coolest-looking one.
complex set of desires & parameters: when the client wants 100 tanning beds...
heavy platforms: I didn't sign up to be a computer programmer, damn it!
lightweight object-oriented programming environments: easy for an architect to use and actually looks like buildings

I'm not poking fun at the content of the course, only the language of the description. I'm actually looking forward to learning new design strategies and acquiring further computer skills, both of which are vital for my future career prospects. So stay tuned, you may see work like this from me in the coming days!

-JD