co.de.D Weekend Workshop: The Cutting-Edge of Computational Design

Unlock your design potential with our upcoming hands-on workshop, where we’re diving into the essentials of programming logic, AI prompt engineering, and form rationalization with Grasshopper! This event is crafted to sharpen your skills in breaking down problems, generating AI-driven concepts, and turning ideas into optimized data-driven designs. Join co.de.D to explore the cutting-edge of computational design with some of Detroit's leading professionals.

• All attendees are required to bring their own laptops and install prerequisite software prior to arriving. Trial versions are available for those without licenses.

DETAILED SESSION AGENDA - PLEASE REVIEW BEFORE REGISTERING

Session 01: Think Like a Coder: An Intro to Logic & Programming

DESCRIPTION: In this interactive session, participants will dive into the fundamentals of logic and programming, learning to "think like a coder" as they explore the building blocks of computational thinking. Using approachable examples and hands-on exercises, we will demystify core concepts such as variables, conditionals, loops, and functions, demonstrating how these elements form the foundation of programming in various languages.

Participants will gain practical experience solving problems using logic-based strategies, translating them into basic code structures. As we progress, participants will learn how to break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable components—a critical skill in both coding and problem-solving. By the end of the session, participants will have a solid understanding of logical thinking and will be ready to take their first steps into the world of programming.

INSTRUCTOR: Francisco Landeros, Founder of workflows, co.de.D Planning Committee & Azubike Anonye, Founder of FutureBreed

SOFTWARE REQUIRED: Draw.io (https://www.drawio.com/)

RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE: Basic knowledge in programming; basic knowledge in visual programming and data structures

OUTCOMES:

• Master logical thinking and problem-solving strategies
• Understand key programming concepts (variables, loops, and conditionals)
• Break down complex problems into manageable tasks
• Build a strong foundation for learning advanced programming languages

Session 02: AI Prompting Engineering

DESCRIPTION: Join us for an insightful workshop that explores the latest advancements in AI, design, and emerging technologies transforming the architectural practice. As architects move from traditional methods to advanced software, the need for continuous skill development is crucial with AI-driven solutions. This workshop will show how architects can incorporate AI into the design process and achieve quality outcomes while maintaining control. Participants will explore how AI can be incorporated across various design phases, gaining valuable insights to navigate the future of AI-driven development.

INSTRUCTOR: Joseph Kim, Digital Transformation Specialist, DABUG Planning Committee

SOFTWARE / PLATFORM:

MODELING (Optional): SketchUp (Subscription), Rhino (License), or Revit (Subscription)

RENDERING (At least one is required - Midjourney Recommended is recommended, at a mininum): Midjourney (Subscription)

ChatGPT/ DALL-E (Subscription),

KREA (Subscription/ Free Trial available),

LookX AI (Subscription/ Free Trial available)

RunwayML (Subscription/ Free Trial available)

OUTCOMES:

• Learn about Prompt Structures
• Integration and Case Studies
• Future Development

Session 03: Rationalizing Forms

DESCRIPTION: In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the powerful combination of Rhino and Grasshopper to perform environmental and simulation analysis, using data-driven design to create optimized architectural forms. We will walk through the process of setting up environmental simulations, such as solar radiation, daylight analysis, and structural rationalization, using Grasshopper’s visual scripting interface. Attendees will learn how to harness these tools to automatically optimize design forms, adjusting geometry in response to environmental feedback and simulation data. By the end of the session, participants will have a foundational understanding of using parametric workflows to design high-performance, sustainable architecture.

INSTRUCTOR: John McGarry, Design Technology Leader at Gensler Detroit; Architect & Nick Peruski, Designer at ROSSETTI, co.de.D Planning Committee

SOFTWARE REQUIRED: Rhino (minimum Rhino 7) [Rhino - Downloads (rhino3d.com)]

Kangaroo components (Kangaroo3d)

Ladybug components (Ladybug Tools | Home Page)

RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE: Basic Grasshopper navigation skills

OUTCOMES:

• Master form-finding and analysis with Kangaroo.
• Conduct environmental analysis using Ladybug.
• Optimize designs with Galapagos.

Host or Publisher AIA Detroit Technology in Architectural Practice