UK AA School Computational Design Preview
Workshop: Maximizing Design Quality through Flocking-Algorithm-Based Form Finding
AASchool
‘AADRL’
Architectural Association Design Research Lab
AADRL is the AA School's master's program that has led experimental, computation-based design research for over 20 years.
Moving across architecture, urbanism, technology, and materials, it experiments with new ways of designing and explores tools, concepts, and fabrication in an integrated way. Viewing design not as problem-solving but as a process of asking questions, it pursues architectural thinking and methods that respond actively to changing environments.
DRL Phase 1 Design Workshop
Term 1 lays the foundation for experimental thinking, combining physical realization through material experiments and fabrication techniques with computational design approaches using coding and algorithms. The key is understanding systems and variables, and testing ideas both physically and digitally.
Experience AA School Computational Design: A Workshop
This ‘London AA School Computational Design Preview‘ workshop is based on the computational design workshop from AADRL Term 1. Mentor Hanjun Kim, a current AADRL course tutor, personally leads a five-week curriculum condensed into four days.
Workshop Topic
Form-finding Process Using a Flocking Algorithm
Swarm algorithms simulate the collective movement of individuals in a group. They apply the collective behavior observed in nature—flocks of birds, schools of fish, swarms of insects—to computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and optimization problems. The flocking algorithm is one of the best-known swarm algorithms.
Sample image (actual AADRL student work)
Workshop Highlights
AADRL
Experience the AA School DRL (UK) workshop program firsthand. Through this course, you can add a computational design project to your portfolio and strengthen your competitiveness.
Top Team Selection
On the final day, you'll review your submitted projects with external reviewers. Teams whose work is selected as outstanding will receive prizes.
Certificate of completion provided
All participants will receive a certificate of completion issued by Beyond Chapter, which you can include in your future portfolio or résumé.
Venue & Curriculum
Workshop Venue
Hongik University Wawoo Hall
-
This program is run in partnership with Hongik University ADD.
-
The curriculum is subject to change.
-
We encourage teams to keep working on Aug 13, Aug 15, and Aug 16, when there are no classes.
Day 1 (Mon, Aug 11)
19:00 - 22:00
-
Introduction to Computational Design in the UK
-
Introduction to AADRL
-
Introduction to the Flocking Algorithm
Day 2 (Tue, Aug 12)
19:00 - 22:00
-
How to Use the Flocking Algorithm
-
Team Projects
Day 3 (Thu, Aug 14)
19:00 - 22:00
-
Team projects
-
Algorithm Q&A
Day 4 (Sun, Aug 17)
14:00 - 17:00 + team dinner
-
Review Day (with invited external reviewers)
Software & Programming Languages
Unity
Unity 6.1
Grasshopper
Rhino 7 or later recommended
C#
Algorithm Study with C#
* No prior experience with the software is required to join.
Who Should Join
1. Anyone who loves computational design (any major)
2. Those who want to experience architectural or landscape design using coding and algorithms
3. Those who want to include a computational project in their portfolio
Important Notes
* Projects will be carried out in teams of 2–3.
* You must bring your own laptop.
Pricing
Early Registration (until Jul 31, 2025)
General
₩180,000
(regular price ₩340,000)
Beyond Chapter Participants
₩150,000
(Regular price ₩300,000)
Online Participation
₩70,000
(regular price ₩120,000)
Regular Registration (from 2025.08.01)
General
₩210,000
(Regular price ₩340,000)
Beyond Chapter Participants
₩180,000
(Regular price ₩300,000)
Join Online
₩100,000
(Regular price ₩120,000)
* The Beyond Chapter participant rate is available to anyone who has previously used any of our paid services.
* Online participants receive the same files and materials, plus one Q&A session.
* Online participation is via Teams; direct interaction and participation in the Day 4 review are not available.
Workshop Registration (In-Person Registration Closed)
From 180,000 South Korean won
