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CSCI 2952Y

Special Topics in Computational Design and Fabrication

Course Description

This course explores the core mathematical, algorithmic, and computational principles that drive modern design tools, focusing on digital design representations, generative design, optimization, and interactive exploration. Students will learn to develop computational models for automating design processes, implement algorithms for shape generation and performance evaluation, and integrate digital design with fabrication techniques such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and machine knitting. The course includes hands-on assignments and a final project where students build their own computational design workflow.

Syllabus (PDF)Ed Discussion Board

Grading

ComponentPercentage
Assignments40%
Course Project45%
Participation15%

Assignments

AssignmentReleasedDue
HW109/1209/26
HW209/2610/10
HW310/1010/24
HW410/2411/07
HW511/0711/21

Final Project

MilestoneDate
Project Pitches10/10/2025
Project Updates and Rubric Design11/07/2025
Final Project Presentations12/08/2025
Final Project Q&A12/12/2025

Lectures

09/05/2025Overview & Admin
09/08/2025Design Representations Part 1: Data Structures
09/12/2025Design Representations Part 2: More on Data Structures
09/15/2025Design Representations Part 3: Programs
09/19/2025Design Spaces Part 1: Symbolic Spaces
09/22/2025Design Spaces Part 2: Variations from a Single Example
09/26/2025Design Spaces Part 3: Learned Spaces from a Collection
09/29/2025Design Spaces Part 4: Neuro-Symbolic Design Spaces
10/03/2025Design Evaluation Part 1: Intro to Simulation
10/06/2025Design Evaluation Part 2: FEA, Learning to Simulate
10/10/2025Project Pitches
10/13/2025Holiday
10/17/2025Design Evaluation Part 3: Sustainability
10/20/2025Design Optimization Part 1: Continuous and Discrete Optimization
10/24/2025Design Optimization Part 2: Topology Optimization
10/27/2025Design Optimization Part 3: Multi-Objective Optimization
10/31/2025Design Optimization Part 4: Bi-level and Bayesian Optimization
11/03/2025Fabrication Part 1: Hardware Abstractions
11/07/2025Project Updates and Rubric Design
11/10/2025Fabrication Part 2: 3D Printing
11/14/2025Fabrication Part 3: Laser Cutting
11/17/2025Design Exploration Part 1: Visualization and Interactive Exploration
11/21/2025SCF — Students encouraged to attend
SCF Conference
11/24/2025Design Exploration Part 2: Inference
11/28/2025Holiday
12/01/2025Design Exploration Part 3: User Feedback
12/05/2025Design Exploration Part 4: Accessibility
12/08/2025Final Project Presentations
12/12/2025Final Project Q&A

Note: The lecture plan is tentative and subject to change. Slides will be posted and updated throughout the course.

Computational Design Example

Course Logistics

Lecture Time

Monday/Friday, 9:00–10:20 AM

Location

CIT Center (Thomas Watson CIT) 316

TA

Jack Zhang (He/Him)

Office Hours

TBD