Inquiry into Computation and Design
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this graduate seminar on how computation and design relate to one another, treating both broadly: computation covers digital tools as well as by-hand methods, and design covers both the process of making artifacts and the artifacts themselves. Readings and discussions push students toward a critical self-awareness of the metaphors and assumptions underlying their own design and computational approaches, rather than focusing on specific software or techniques. Materials include the syllabus, readings list, and assignment prompts as published by MIT's Department of Architecture. The course suits students already familiar with design practice who want to examine the conceptual frameworks behind computational design rather than learn new tools. As with other OCW offerings, materials are free to access and there is no certificate.