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CourseCivil, Rail & Smart Cities Applications open

Course in Parametric Design for Singular Structures

Online course of 300 hours in parametric design for singular structures. 6 modules covering algorithmic design, structural geometry and form-finding, integrated analysis, optimisation and digital fabrication to EN 1990 and EN 1993-1-1, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration3 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Apply algorithmic thinking to structural design.

02

Generate efficient structural geometries.

03

Integrate structural analysis into the parametric model.

04

Optimise structures against multiple criteria.

05

Prepare structures for digital fabrication.

06

Rationalise complex geometries.

07

Conceive a singular structure from start to finish.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Computational designers
  • Engineers working on singular structures
  • Digital fabrication specialists
  • Architectural technologists dealing with complex geometry
  • Structural optimisation consultants
  • Developers of parametric tools
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to move into engineering consultancy
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • EN 1990 (Eurocode – basis of structural design)
  • EN 1993-1-1 (Eurocode 3 – design of steel structures)
  • EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode 5 – design of timber structures)
  • EN 1991-1-4 (Eurocode 1 – wind actions)
  • EN 1991-1-3 (Eurocode 1 – snow loads)
  • ISO 19650-1 (information management using BIM)
  • Rhinoceros
  • Grasshopper
  • Karamba3D
  • Kangaroo
  • SOFiSTiK
Syllabus

6 modules

  1. 1.1Algorithmic thinking in structures
  2. 1.2Parameters, relationships and constraints
  3. 1.3NURBS geometry and meshes
  4. 1.4Visual programming
  5. 1.5Rhinoceros and Grasshopper
  6. 1.6Data structures and trees
  7. 1.7Generative design
  8. 1.8From concept to analytical model
  9. 1.9Benchmark singular structures
  10. 1.10Practical: parametric model of a roof
  1. 2.1Ruled surfaces
  2. 2.2Hyperbolic paraboloids
  3. 2.3Double-curvature shells
  4. 2.4Bar meshes and gridshells
  5. 2.5Tensile structures
  6. 2.6Form-finding with springs
  7. 2.7Force density
  8. 2.8Graphic statics
  9. 2.9Panel rationalisation
  10. 2.10Lab: form-finding with Kangaroo
  1. 3.1Karamba3D: modelling and loads
  2. 3.2Analysis of bars and shells
  3. 3.3Section optimisation
  4. 3.4Global buckling
  5. 3.5Displacement analysis
  6. 3.6Interoperability with structural analysis software
  7. 3.7Model verification
  8. 3.8Iterative analyses
  9. 3.9Documentation of results
  10. 3.10Practical: analysis of a gridshell in Karamba3D
  1. 4.1Single-objective optimisation
  2. 4.2Multi-objective optimisation
  3. 4.3Evolutionary algorithms with Galapagos
  4. 4.4Topology optimisation
  5. 4.5Construction constraints
  6. 4.6Minimising weight and carbon
  7. 4.7Exploring the design space
  8. 4.8Visualising alternatives
  9. 4.9Decision-making
  10. 4.10Workshop: multi-objective optimisation of a footbridge
  1. 5.1Part breakdown and nodes
  2. 5.2Fabrication of complex nodes
  3. 5.3CNC and laser cutting
  4. 5.43D printing of components
  5. 5.5Double-curvature formwork
  6. 5.6Fabrication tolerances
  7. 5.7Data workflows to the factory
  8. 5.8Assembly and dimensional control
  9. 5.9Cases of built singular structures
  10. 5.10Case study: fabrication of a timber roof
  1. 6.1Brief and site
  2. 6.2Structural concept
  3. 6.3Parametric model
  4. 6.4Form-finding
  5. 6.5Structural analysis
  6. 6.6Optimisation
  7. 6.7Fabrication strategy
  8. 6.8Conclusions
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Karamba3D, Kangaroo and SOFiSTiK, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for shell form-finding, multi-objective structural optimisation and scale prototypes of nodes. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final capstone project.

Standards covered: EN 1990, EN 1993-1-1, EN 1995-1-1, EN 1991-1-4, EN 1991-1-3, ISO 19650-1.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of EN 1990, EN 1993-1-1 and EN 1995-1-1 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Karamba3D, Kangaroo, SOFiSTiK, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:The complete design of a singular structure, from parametric model and form-finding to analysis, optimisation and fabrication strategy, reviewed by your tutor.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Parametric roof model
Build a parametric model of a roof in Rhinoceros and Grasshopper.
Form-finding with Kangaroo
Find an efficient structural form for a shell or gridshell.
Gridshell analysis
Analyse the gridshell in Karamba3D and optimise its sections.
Multi-objective optimisation
Optimise a footbridge for weight, carbon and performance and choose between alternatives.
Final project
The complete design of a singular structure, including its fabrication strategy, reviewed by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Computational designerSingular structures engineerDigital fabrication specialistComplex geometry architectural technologistStructural optimisation consultantParametric tools developer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Karamba3D, Kangaroo, SOFiSTiK, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

No prior qualification is required; you need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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