Behavioral Fabrication

The seminar introduces an alternative to established methodologies in digital design and fabrication: Behavioral fabrication. Contrary to traditional notions of digital design and fabrication, behavioral fabrication is not based on the execution of a priori defined symbolic plans, such as detailed digital design models, but is based on the concept of execution of behaviors. Such behaviors, which can be heuristic or learned, static or adaptive, represent design intention and unfold in a non-deterministic way based on the constant interaction of the machine/robot/agent with the material and its environment through sensor-actuator feedback.

Requirements and objectives
We expect that you have successfully completed at least two out of the three related prior seminars at ICD, which are Computational Design, Computational Design and Fabrication, and Computational Explorations. You should have a working knowledge of Python or C#, Arduino or RaspberryPi, and be enthusiastic about robotic prototyping.

In exchange, you can expect to learn the required computational techniques for behavioral fabrication: Agent-based modelling (ABM), mobile / behavioral robotics, advanced methods of communication for seamlessly integrating sensing, tracking, and acting, and AR / VR.

Teaching format
In this semester, we will adopt a mainly “synchronous” teaching mode to cover the different teaching formats, such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, Q&As, desk crits, and reviews. The weekly in-person sessions are mandatory to attend. Sessions will be recorded and made accessible to the class participants through ILIAS. In between sessions, we will be available through Webex Teams, where you can ask specific questions about lectures, assignments, and seminar logistics. We provide weekly office hours. Assignments will be shared and submitted through ILIAS.

Schedule
The semester is organized into three main topical parts:“Digital Behavioral Systems”, “(Cyber-)physical Behavioral Systems” and “Final Project Development”. The first two parts are considered milestones towards the development of a final project idea integrating aspects of the previous parts. The focus of the third part, which will start right before the winter break, is the development and implementation of your project idea. The semester concludes with the review of your final project.

Date of final review: 5-Feb-2026