Philippe Block: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021

Name	Prof. Dr. Philippe Block
Field	Architecture and Structure
Address	Professur Architektur und Tragwerk ETH Zürich, HIB E 45 Stefano-Franscini-Platz 1 8093 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 633 68 44
E-mail	block@arch.ethz.ch
URL	http://block.arch.ethz.ch
Department	Architecture
Relationship	Full Professor

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
051-1246-21L	Integrated Discipline Structural Construction (P. Block)	3 credits	2U	P. Block
Abstract	Structural design will be an integral part of the semester design project in the area of architecture and urbanism, and integrates knowledge acquired in the first years of Structures.
Learning objective	Understanding of the importance of the structural system for architectural design and integration of structural thinking into the design process.
Content	The integrated academic performance is related to the design project and assisted by specialists from the field of structural engineering. The focus, format and extent of the work are to be consulted with the professorship.
Prerequisites / Notice	Registration in mystudies and per email to the chair is compulsory by latest the end of the 3rd semester week. The final presentation of the term's work will take place on the last Thursday of the semester.
052-0604-00L	Structural Design II	2 credits	3G	P. Block, J. Schwartz
Abstract	Determination of internal forces and description of structural behaviour of mixed arches and cable structures, of truss systems, beams, slabs, panels and frames using method of graphical statics as well as dimensioning of these structural systems. Structural behaviour of columns. Discussion of reference buildings and illustration of interplay of structural system and architectural intention.
Learning objective	Awareness of the most important structural systems. Understanding of the interplay of load and form. Estimation of the inner forces and dimensioning of elements.
Content	After a general introduction of basic concepts, structural systems such as cable and arch structures will be analyzed with the help of graphic statics. The students will learn to understand the flow of forces in a structural system in relation to the system's form. They will be able to modify this force flow and give dimension to the structural components. All concepts, approaches and methods will be introduced in the weekly lectures and practiced in subsequent exercises.
Lecture notes	on eQuilibrium "Skript Tragwerksentwurf I/II" https://block.arch.ethz.ch/eq/course/45?lang=en A printed version can be bought at the chair of Structural Design Prof. Schwartz for sFr. 55.-.
Literature	"Faustformel Tragwerksentwurf" (Philippe Block, Christoph Gengangel, Stefan Peters, DVA Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt 2013, ISBN: 978-3-421-03904-0) Weiteres Lernmaterial: "Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures" (Edward Allen, Waclaw Zalewski, October 2009, ISBN: 978-0-470-17465-4) "The art of structures, Introduction to the functioning of structures in architecture" (Aurelio Muttoni, EPFL Press, 2011, ISBN-13: 978-0415610292, ISBN-10: 041561029X)
052-0608-00L	Structural Design IV	2 credits	3G	J. Schwartz, P. Block
Abstract	In Structural Design IV, students will apply the knowledge gained during the courses Structural Design I, II and III in a semester-long design project.
Learning objective	At the conclusion of Structural Design IV, the students will be able to: - design structures creatively. - identify the relationships between architectural concept, structural form, internal forces and building materials. - effectuate the transition from architectural concept to structural idea. - use graphic statics in a design-oriented manner. - generate structural forms beyond known structural typologies. - explore spatial equilibrium by means of physical models.
Content	The course begins with a series of lectures in which built projects with a succesful integration between architecture and structure are presented. After, the students, in groups of four, design the structure of an architectural project using graphic statics and physical models. The development of the design proposal is supported during table critics and its evolution is assessed in intermediate submissions. At the end of the semester, all projects are reviewed by structural engineers, structural designers and architects.
Lecture notes	on eQuilibrium "Skript Tragwerksentwurf I/II/III/IV" http://www.block.arch.ethz.ch/eq/course/4?lang=en Printed versions can be bought at the chair of Structural Design Prof. Schwartz.
Literature	- "The art of structures, Introduction to the functioning of structures in architecture" (Aurelio Muttoni, EPFL Press, 2011, ISBN-13: 978-0415610292, ISBN-10: 041561029X) - "Faustformel Tragwerksentwurf" (Philippe Block, Christoph Gengangel, Stefan Peters, DVA Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt 2013, ISBN: 978-3-421-03904-0) - "Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures" (Edward Allen, Waclaw Zalewski, October 2009, ISBN: 978-0-470-17465-4)
Prerequisites / Notice	To take part in this course, it is recommended to first complete the courses Structural Design I, II and III or to have knowledge of graphic statics.
063-0606-00L	Computational Structural Design II This core course (ends with «00L») can only be passed once! Please check this before signing up. This course replaces the former course "Structural Design VI". ITA Pool information event on the offered courses: 10.2.2021, 10-11 h, ONLINE, VideoZoom Link: https://ethz.zoom.us/s/92856146358	3 credits	3G	P. Block, M. Popescu
Abstract	This course teaches structural design opportunities through the use of computational tools and strongly informed by (digital)fabrication techniques.
Learning objective	- development of algorithmic thinking - understanding of principles of design for fabrication - knowledge of basic/medium Python scripting - introduction to COMPAS framework data structures and algorithms - fabrication aware constrained form-finding
Content	The course lays a strong computational foundation that gives students the confidence to use python coding for design. This fundamental knowledge is subsequently used in design-oriented exercises focusing on form-finding and the design of efficient structural forms informed by fabrication constraints. The course explores a variety of structural design options showcased through research methods used in realized construction projects (e.g. Nest HiLo and the Armadillo vault).
Prerequisites / Notice	Note: This course replaces the former course "Structural Design VI". ITA Pool Einführungsveranstaltung über die angebotenen Kurse: 10.2.2021, 10-11 Uhr, ONLINE, VideoZoom Link: https://ethz.zoom.us/s/92856146358
063-0654-21L	Subject Semester (Fachsemester) FS21 in the Field of Technology in Architecture (ITA,Prof. Block) Only for Architecture MSc, Programme Regulations 2017. A student can only register once for a "Fachsemester" during the Master studies!	14 credits	29A	P. Block
Abstract	This research semester will explore new methods for designing and building structures that are capable of resisting loads through their form. It will address questions of architectural geometry, structural design, fabrication and construction, but also sustainability.
Learning objective	- Contribution to the subject of resistance through form. - Exploration of novel methods for the design and building of geometrically complex structures.
Content	The works of Heinz Isler, Eladio Dieste, Pier Luigi Nervi, Felix Candela and Eduardo Torroja among others showed that modern structures can be both efficient and expressive. Their deep understanding of structural behaviour, particularly their ability to (re-)direct the flow of forces within a structure, allowed them to design thin and lightweight structures whose resistance relied elegantly on their form. In addition, they also invented creative methods to efficiently construct those complex shapes. Their approach, which is particularly efficient in terms of material consumption, is of great relevance nowadays as we must find ways to drastically reduce CO2 emissions in the built environment. This research semester will explore new methods for designing and building structures that are capable of resisting loads through their form. It will address questions of architectural geometry, structural design, fabrication and construction, but also sustainability. Key topics: - Structurally-informed design - Fabrication-aware design - Form-finding and optimization - Novel fabrication systems - Smart assembly techniques - Sustainability in construction
Prerequisites / Notice	Independent work. Enrollment on agreement with the chair only. A student can only register once for a "Fachsemester" during the Master studies!