The program
Benefing from exceptional infrastructures and technologies at the forefront of digital design to fabrication for architecture and construction, the programme provides expertise in the application of the latest digital technologies for design, simulation and fabrication of digital architecture and construction. The focus is on computational design, robotic fabrication and 3D printing, and novel topics in architecture. Projects and assignments enable students to develop strong design concepts and realize large-scale prototypes using the unique robotic and 3D printing facilities at ETH Zurich, the curriculum offers training on wide-ranging practical and theoretical topics.
Structured into three semesters
Trimester 1 (T1)
FOCUS
T1 is designed as an “introduction” into the program, and provides an intensive skills-building bootcamp format featuring full-time lectures and tutorials supported by a team of researchers. The curriculum is strategically designed to prioritize the rapid acquisition of digital skills, with primariy focus on Python programming and robotic control.
METHOD
In T1, the teaching method revolves around small design projects that encourage active and iterative skill application. This “learning-by-doing” approach facilitates a swift immersion into the digital mindset, language, and design philosophy that are integral to our school’s culture.
Trimester 2 (T2)
FOCUS
In T2, we advance: students are tasked with applying their T1 skillset to a larger and more intricate architectural project, which is executed to a 1:1 scale. The primary objective here is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cross disciplinary technological aspects embedded in these new architectural projects.
METHOD
In T2, the central teaching approach is a collaborative project in which students work together throughout the entire digital design-to-fabrication process. This project concludes with the creation of “demonstrators” designed to test the project in architectural scale. Often exhibited for a larger audience.
Trimester 3 (T3)
FOCUS
The final T3 focuses on tackling precise research questions proposed by PhD or Postdoc researchers. The process encompasses different stages, from formulating a research brief to conducting experiments, measuring and documenting scientif results and ultimately developing physical demonstrators.
METHOD
Students undertake focused research projects, working individually or in pairs under the guidance of assigned researchers. Projects adhere to rigorous scientific research methods and culminate in the creation of a large-scale demonstrator. Research findings are presented to expert jury.