Design Mathematics Graduate Course
I’m looking forward to teaching Design Mathematics, a compulsory course in Istanbul Bilgi University’s graduate program in Architectural Design. The course was previously offered as an elective in the undergraduate program (here). Over time, I have also shared parts of the course content on the blog, particularly the sections on linear algebra and Rhino Python. Unfortunately, though, I have never quite managed to turn this material into the book project I had envisioned. Perhaps this semester I’ll finally make it happen. I’ll continue to share updates about the course as it develops. Below, you can read the formal course description.
Mathematics is the study of abstract generalizations, patterns, and relationships. Mathematical knowledge paves the way for new technologies and paradigms in many fields of science and engineering, from physics to social sciences, computer programming to civil engineering. As a result, it becomes a universal language among these professions. A minimum level of mathematical knowledge is essential, especially in fields where computational methods are extensively utilized. Being a computational designer requires competencies beyond merely being a good tool user due to the multi-disciplinary approach adopted in the profession. Understanding the underlying mathematical principles is becoming increasingly important before any design tool or method is introduced into this context. This course reintroduces the essence of mathematical knowledge to designers. The course topics are selected from key areas related to shape and space. The Python programming language will be used to explore the essence of mathematical concepts in digital design workflows.
Related Posts
Vector Projection and Angle
December 21, 2021
In this session, I will add two new methods to the Vector class. I think this will finish the basics for the vectors. In the future, we are going to need several new methods like adding multiple vectors and interpolation. But for now, I think this would be sufficient to further advance into parametric curves and surfaces. These new methods will be based on the dot product method we created in the last post. I will add the vector projection…
Vector Normalization and Dot Product
October 29, 2021
This is the continuation of the Vector class we started here, and further advanced here, here, and here. This new Rhino Python implementation is mostly educational and partially a hobby. Before this session, we have developed display, magnitude, add, multiply, reverse, and subtract methods. This time, I am adding the vector normalization and dot product methods and seeing the utilizations of the dot product. Line Explanation 1-26 Already explained in the previous posts. 27 Define a new method called “normalize”….
Vector Magnitude Method in Rhino Python
October 12, 2021Today, I am going to make only one addition to the Vector class we recently started in Rhino Python. The magnitude of a vector can be easily calculated by assuming that the axes (2 or 3 axes) of it are perpendicular to each other. This gives us an opportunity to assume a right triangle visually, and calculate the magnitude (length) of a vector by using the Pythagorean Theorem. In short, if you square and add the components of a vector,…
More Vector Operations in Rhino Python
September 1, 2021This is the continuation of my new project of re-creating the parametric curve and surface methods of Rhino via Python scripting. If you remember, I started with the building block of vector operations, here and here. Then, I defined vector addition and multiplication, before going deeper into the geometric calculations. In fact, they are using the previously defined addition and multiplication methods. New Vector Operations: Subtraction and Reversing In the future, we are going to need to reverse a vector,…
Vector Arithmetics in Rhino Python
August 20, 2021Today, I am going to advance the Vector class a bit more. Firstly, I will improve the display method I introduced recently. Then, I will add two new methods which handle the fundamental vector arithmetics in Rhino Python. Improving the Display Method In the previous attempt, I displayed vectors on the origin of the Rhino viewport. The coordinates of the tail of a vector are not stored within the object attributes. Normally, I can store two coordinates, one for the…
