Computation in Architecture

The Chair for Computation in Architecture (CiA) in Bouwkunde at TU Delft explores and develops cross-faculty research using advanced computational methods to improve the built environment. This initiative aims to build on momentum in education and research dealing with building information modelling (BIM) to encompass intelligent systems in buildings and cities.

Computation in Architecture is focusing on the deeper implementation of BIM in order to enable integrative computational methods to the building sector. This goal is aimed at improving the productivity of the design, construction, use and reallocation of resources, time and finances within the AEC Industry.

Based on a brought experience from theory and practice our goal is to connect people and institutions with integrative computational methods to remove obstacles and mitigate difficulties in the enormous process changes technologies like BIM are asking for. Inviting people, chairs, departments, and disciplines to partake in interdisciplinary research is our daily task. We supporting this in education and research tackling questions of integrative design, fabrication, construction, documentation, management, operation and resource responsibility.

Research topics at Computation in Architecture include:

• defining the next dimensions of BIM data
• the internet of doors
• real-time BIM
• distributed BIM
• trust-chains in design and construction
• bionic buildings
• machine learning in design
• AI in building guidance
• computational biology toward biological buildings.

With over 20 years of online pedagogy in CAAD and BIM, Computation in Architecture is preparing the next generation of architects and planners to embrace computation as part of their fields. Cloud education combined with interdisciplinary project-based education allows the students, educators and industry participants to explore the boundaries of current technologies. This informs our research and its next steps - at CiA Computation IS Architecture.