Computational thinking
Breaking a spatial problem into explicit rules without losing its human meaning.
Education / Intensive programme
ABM Bootcamp
A hands-on programme that asked architecture and urban-design participants to turn human-space questions into working agent-based models.
Question
How do you teach simulation without reducing it to software commands?
Response
Begin with a spatial question, define the agent and environment explicitly, code the behaviour, record outcomes, and return the evidence to design.
42
participants
12
mentored projects
6
supporting mentors
Hands-on
question → code → evidence
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Learning by building
Participants did not receive a catalogue of finished models. They learned to decompose a spatial situation into environment, agent, perception, decision, movement, and measurable output.
Projects addressed movement, visual perception, wayfinding, crowd dynamics, and human-centred urban questions.
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Programme arc
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01
Frame
Turn a broad architectural concern into a model-sized research question.
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02
Formalise
Define agents, environments, rules, states, and the evidence to be recorded.
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03
Implement
Use Rhino, Grasshopper, and Python to build and debug the simulation.
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04
Interpret
Read patterns and limitations before translating results into design feedback.
03
What participants practised
Behavioural modelling
Representing perception, movement, interaction, and uncertainty.
Evidence design
Choosing metrics and visualisations that answer the original question.
Critical interpretation
Separating a plausible animation from a validated behavioural claim.
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Six-day programme
| Day | Topic | Presenter | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bootcamp Orientation | Hossein Nazari | Kick-off session introducing the structure, objectives, and roadmap of the bootcamp. |
| 01 | Computational Thinking | Dr. Abbas Tarkashvand | A fresh perspective on how designers can approach problems computationally. |
| 01 | Rhino & Grasshopper Basics | Zahra Solbi, Sara Omrani | Hands-on introduction to the computational design tools used throughout the bootcamp. |
| 01 | Principles of Human-Centered Design | Ali Jabbari Jahromi | Core concepts, methodologies, and real-world applications of user-focused design. |
| 02 | Python & Object-Oriented Programming | Ali Zarrin | Introductory programming concepts and object-oriented design with Python. |
| 02 | Digital Twins & Agent-Based Modeling I | Zahra Solbi | Fundamentals of virtual replicas and modelling interactions through agents. |
| 02 | Computational Geometry Essentials | Hossein Nazari | Mathematical and algorithmic foundations relevant to geometry-driven simulations. |
| 03 | Pathfinding & Search Algorithms | Ali Zarrin | Essential pathfinding strategies and algorithmic techniques. |
| 03 | Digital Twins & Agent-Based Modeling II | Zahra Solbi | Extended applications and case scenarios in agent-based environments. |
| 03 | Digital Twins in Environmental Design | Dr. Mehdi Ghiaei | Strategies and impacts of digital twins in sustainable and adaptive design processes. |
| — | Rest day | — | A planned pause between the theory and application phases. |
| 04 | Visual Perception & Tracking Fundamentals | Sara Omrani | The basics of vision science in relation to user interaction. |
| 04 | Vision Tracking Techniques & Algorithms | Hossein Nazari | Technical and algorithmic approaches in visual tracking systems. |
| 05 | Environmental Data Integration | Parto Rahimi | Linking BIM data with environmental parameters and metadata strategies. |
| 05 | Human-Centered Research Approaches | Dr. M. Javad Mahdavinejad | User-centric analysis and case studies for bringing simulation outputs into research design. |
| 05 | AI in Agent-Based Modeling | Mohammad Rahmati | Using AI to enhance simulation, behaviour prediction, and model intelligence. |
| 06 | Final Project Presentation & Submission | Bootcamp team | Final presentation, review, and submission of participant projects. |
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Curriculum structure
Theoretical foundations
Digital Twin
- Definition and applications in architecture
- Integration with ABM systems
- BIM interoperability
Agent-Based Modeling
- Core principles and definitions
- Architectural simulation applications
- Crowd behaviour modelling
Visual Perception
- IsoVist analysis
- Cone of Vision in built environments
- Visual navigation parameters
Spatial Analysis
- Shortest Path Problems for urban routing
- Facility Location optimisation
- Space syntax methodologies
Technical implementation
Computational Tools
- Rhino/Grasshopper visual programming
- Python OOP for ABM development
- BIM data extraction techniques
Pathfinding Algorithms
- A* and Dijkstra implementations
- BFS/DFS for spatial analysis
- TSP solutions for urban routing
Agent Systems
- Persona modelling techniques
- Memory and decision systems
- Behaviour pattern algorithms
Advanced Simulation
- Vision tracking implementation
- Geometric computation methods
- Data visualisation pipelines
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Teaching team
The programme combined a core teaching team, invited lecturers, mentors, and event operations across the Iran University of Science and Technology and Morphotect collaboration.
Leadership
- Hossein Nazari Main director
Mentors
- Zahra Solbi Architect / Product Manager
- Sara Omrani Architect / Researcher
- Ali Zarrin Programmer
- M. Reza Kazimi Programmer
- Parto Rahimi BIM Specialist
- Mohammad Alinia Unity Developer
Invited lecturers
- Dr. Abbas Tarkashvand Professor
- Dr. Mehdi Ghiaei Professor
- Dr. M. Javad Mahdavinejad Professor
- Mohammad Rahmati Data Scientist
- Ali Jabbari Jahromi CEO, Morphotect
Operations
- Bahdad Khabaz Programme Manager
- Mona Rezaeian Event Coordinator
- Bahare Behzadi Administrative Lead
07
Participant projects
GP01
Impact of Building Form on Visual Perception in Urban Environment
Elnaz · Fatemeh · Mohammad
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Animation
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Collaboration
Planned and delivered through a collaboration between Morphotect and Iran University of Science and Technology.