88990 Generative Design Principles
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 48 credit points of completed study in spk(s): STM90788 120cp Core Subjects (Product Design) BDesign OR 36 credit points of completed study in spk(s): STM91425 108cp Core Subjects (Product Design)
Description
This subject focuses on the development of the student's understanding of generative design. Students follow a design methodology that includes concept generation through CAD workflows, design refinement through iteration and digital fabrication using advanced manufacturing processes. Lectures on context, structure, form/pattern in nature, process optimisation for 3D printing, topology modification, and generative design software tools provide the student with an appreciation for how to incorporate generative design methods into their fleet of design skills.
Students learn to produce digital files for production in order to produce an object prototype. Subsequently, these artefacts are produced by engagement with a 3D printing bureau service. Furthermore, students are introduced to the additive manufacturing environment via a site visit to a 3D printing bureau.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
| 1. | Gain effective visual presentation skills developed through production of a video journal |
|---|---|
| 2. | Gain the ability to explore, experiment and innovate within a design process where iteration acts a key research tool |
| 3. | Develop an understanding of structural efficiency through development of an object concept |
| 4. | Develop an original aesthetic sensibility |
| 5. | Develop industry specific analogue and digital skills to engage with a Generative Design process |
| 6. | Develop accuracy rigour and care in the creation of digital files for production |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
- Effective visual communication skills (C.2)
- Demonstration of versatility, curiosity and imagination (I.2)
- Demonstration of aesthetic sensibility (I.3)
- Industry specific practical and digital skills (P.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:
C = communication and groupwork
A = attitudes and values
P = practical and professional
R = research and critique
I = innovation and creativity.
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).
Teaching and learning strategies
Classes are in a lecture/tutorial format. Sessions will incorporate a range of active learning strategies such as experimentation, exploration of innovative CAD workflows, production and testing of 3D printed components, critical discussion and site visits. These will be complemented by independent student engagement through projects focusing on research, concept development, iterative exploration and prototyping.
Content (topics)
a) Generative Design theory
b) Topology Optimisation and Form Synthesis
c) Form, structure and ergonomics
d) Advanced manufacturing technology
e) CAD workflows
f) Prototyping
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Exploring Topology
| Intent: | Produce a 3D printed artefact demonstrating a creative lightweighting process. | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 4 and 5 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): I.3 and P.1 | ||||||||||||
| Type: | Project | ||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Generative Design Artefact
| Intent: | Produce a 3D printed artefact developed via a Generative Design process (either Topology Optimisation or Form Synthesis) . | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 3 and 6 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): I.3 and P.1 | ||||||||||||
| Type: | Project | ||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Video Journal
| Intent: | Produce a 2 minute video of your design process. | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1 and 2 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): C.2 and I.2 | ||||||||||||
| Type: | Journal | ||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 20% | ||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.
Recommended texts
Cook, T.A., 1979, The curves of life, Dover Publications Inc., New York.
Elam, K., 2001, Geometry of design: studies in proportion and composition, Princeton Architectural Press, New York, N.Y.
Haeckel, E., 2012, Art forms in nature, Dover Publications Inc., New York.
Johnston, L., 2015. Digital Handmade: Craftsmanship And The New Industrial Revolution, Thames & Hudson, London.
Mayall, W.H., 1979, Principles in design, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York.
Ornes, S., 2019. Math Art: Truth Beauty And Equations, Sterling, New York.
Portmann, A., 1967, Animal forms and patterns, Schocken Books, New York.
Tedeschi, A., 2014. AAD: Algorithms-Aided Design. Le Penseur, Brienza.
Wong, W., 1977, Principles of three dimensional Design, Van Nostrand Reinhold. New York.