Advanced Timber Plate Structural Design

The proposed MOOC intends to foster trans-disciplinary design approach in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) for timber structures. It outlines an innovative and sustainable methodology with examples from recent construction projects.

The primary development goal for this MOOC is to spread the innovative design approach in AEC we developed at EPFL. Therefore, the MOOC results from the compilation of five doctoral theses, research-industry technology transfer with our industry partner, and a flagship structural system with has been constructed. Accordingly, it will be beneficial for not only graduate students but also industrial professionals and civil engineering, architecture, and construction society.

The MOOC will introduce its audience the development a set of computational tools for geometry processing, mesh and network processing, computer-aided structural engineering design, and digital fabrication. The aim is to introduce a teaching module that systematically transfers both academic findings and industrial experience to the professional society. It also covers technological advancements of advanced timber construction and real-world applications. The latter, specifically, could be inspiring not only for graduate students, but also for professional engineers and architects.

1. Introduction to advanced timber construction

2. Case studies in advanced timber plate structures

3. Advanced timber construction and large-scale structures

4. Digital architecture and advanced geometry processing

5. Engineering design and simulation methods in timber plate structures

6. Optimization methods