In architecture, complex form and mass customization are a common phenomenon nowadays. Design thinking through parametric and algorithmic approach has added a new dimension to studio culture all over the world. Computational design and fabricating tools have become inseparable in the design process. Laser cutter, 3D printer and robotic fabrication have opened up the field of experiment in architecture education and practice. In our country, we have started to become familiarized with this form of design practice although most of the architecture schools have started practicing this in a very minimum level. Therefore, a 3-day workshop (September 10-12, 2015) was arranged by the Department of Architecture, AIUB to help those students, professionals who are interested in this kind of design practice. The title of the workshop was ‘’TOOLS MATTER: Computational Design and Fabrication.’’ The workshop emphasized on two issues-

1. Reshaping the thought process: How to set logics in computational design and explore different and alternative options in the design process.
2. Fabrication: How to get the virtual model in the physical form precisely.

The workshop received an impressive response. 43 participants took part in this workshop who are mostly students from different Architecture schools like BUET, North-South, BRAC and Ahsanullah University and faculties from AIUB, Stamford, AUST and Sonargaon University. Practicing architects and professionals also participated in this workshop which made the workshop a very effective one.

In the opening session on 10th September, inauguration speech was delivered by M. Arefeen Ibrahim, Head of Architecture Dept. AIUB. The workshop was started with a presentation by Asik Vaskor Mannan, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Architecture, AIUB on “Computational Design, WHY”.  After his presentation, the workshop was conducted by Md. Mizanur Rahman, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Architecture, AIUB.

On the first day of the workshop, participants gained knowledge of Rhino program and explore complex geometry in NURBS modeling. The computational design was explored in Grasshopper on the second day. On these sessions, the students got a hands-on knowledge on using the software to develop complex geometry. Along with all kind of technical support, there were student volunteers to help the participants individually. Participants also learned how to get the virtual model in the physical form precisely which ended with model making in small scale. And finally an installation was made by all in groups on the final day. The workshop ended with certificate-giving event among the participants. Irfat Alam, Md. Rashed Hasan, Nandita Barai, Saiful Hasan Tariq, Fauzia M Rahman- faculties of Dept. of Architecture, AIUB helped in organizing the workshop.

Due to its contemporary content the workshop received wide acceptance in the academic and professional community which turned it into a very successful one.  Architecture Department expresses its gratitude to AIUB administration for the support provided and intends to organize similar events in future as well.