After successful completion of the course, students are able to plan and execute computer-aided work processes, to integrate GIS and parametric modeling with optimization tools in data-driven design processes. This makes it possible to work in a transscalar mode in the intersection between architecture, landscape architecture and urban planning.

Embedded Architectures (Hensel & Sunguroğlu Hensel 2020) is a specific approach that has developed from performance-oriented architecture (Hensel 2013; Hensel & Sunguroğlu Hensel 2019). While the performance-oriented architecture is among other things Concentrating on the interaction of architecture and the environment, the embedded architecture continues this approach in the direction of architecture and environment integration. This approach expands the question of whether architecture can serve the natural environment to the question of how architecture can be an integral part of the natural environment.

The goal of Summer Studio is to teach computer-aided design with an emphasis on architectural and environmental interactions and integration. This includes data on local terrain, vegetation, climate, etc. The context for the design is Val Lumenzia, in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland.

The focus is on learning how to plan and execute computer-aided workflows, and to integrate GIS and parametric modeling with optimization tools for the purpose of transcalar design.

Due to the current restrictions due to the corona pandemic, lectures, workshops and project meetings are only offered online. These take place in the regular class time on Thursdays. The slides of all lectures are made accessible on the course-specific Nextcloud folder.

GIS and computer-aided design and analysis processes are presented and integrated into the design process, and computational worklows are designed.

Selected literature study is necessary in order to obtain relevant background knowledge.

Lectures and seminars serve as an introduction to the subject area of "embedded architectures".

This summer studio is designed for students with good computational skills that wish to further develop their ability to develop data-driven computational workflows that integrate GIS with parametric modelling and computational simulation and optimization tools. The studio will work with QGIS and SAGA GIS, as well as Rhino and Grasshopper.

Interim presentations and final presentation of the studio work with invited guest critics.

Because of Covi 19 the presentations will be held online.

Good knowledge of the English language and of Rhino and Grasshopper are required to participate in the summer design.