Situated within a global top-tier school of architecture, the [CPU]ai atelier is at the cutting edge of architectural research and design. We explore alternative design processes through the development and application of innovative computational techniques and AI processes. By coding our own tools, we explore and harness the principles of complexity science—such as systems theory, self-organization, emergence, intelligence, structural change, and adaptation—to revolutionize the design, management, and governance of future cities.

Our research tackles pressing contemporary issues, including climate change, technological transitions, inequality, co-production, development strategies, resilient urban interventions, policy making, and urban morphology. Through the creation and implementation of bespoke computational methods, we push beyond conventional static design methodologies, embracing dynamic, temporal and contradictory processes that reflect the fluid and evolving nature of urban environments.

The CPU Studio is dedicated to pioneering new theoretical approaches and practical solutions, integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative design to shape the resilient and adaptive cities of tomorrow. #futures #codeyourowntools #complexurban

MArch2
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OASIS

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Roots to Renewal: A Study on Valuing Timber as a Slow Regenerative Resource

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ECOMETROPOLIS

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City of Mixed Reality_A New Interpretation of Duck Vs. Shed

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Tides Of Change

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Metropolitan Prosthesis

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Formalising ‘45

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Evolving Realities : XR Infused East Manchester 2055

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Ecometropolis

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Sunken City

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TOWARDS Net-Zero Future Living

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C_SIM TRANSIT

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Formalising 45

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Metropolitan Prosthesis

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The Fair City: Designing Equitable Urban Spaces in a Zero-Carbon Manchester. 2068

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_Inclusi_City_

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Professional Studies

Professional Studies 1

PS1

This year's brief builds upon four years of collaboration with Man Met Estates on speculating a visionary path for the campus's future. Students engaged directly with live clients to conceptualise a new Manchester School of Architecture building, employing a futures theory perspective. They delved into adaptive reuse strategies, temporal dynamics, and computational methodologies to speculate and envision the campus's evolution. Collaborating with MSA (Manchester School of Architecture) staff, Man Met University Estates, and other industry practitioners, students navigated real-world considerations. They had the option to work on two distinct sites, exploring adaptive reuse from different angles: adapting an existing structure or designing for adaptive reuse. PS1 focused on brief formulation and conceptual design using computational tools. The projects were developed through iterating and testing spatial design considerations such as programmatic requirements, spatial layout, site conditions, flows, energy performance, façade design, internal conditions, comfort, etc., through computational approaches.

Professional Studies 2

PS2

PS2 builds upon the groundwork laid in PS1, advancing towards a resolved building design. Students explored tectonic possibilities with an eye towards future adaptability and resilience, anchoring their designs in trajectories of future scenarios. Key considerations encompassed tectonic exploration, technical finesse, and pre-emptive responses to potential disruptions such as emerging technologies. Design proposals prioritised flexibility, modularity, and versatility to embrace future uncertainties and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Concepts included adapting to evolving learning paradigms, integrating emerging technologies like AI (Artificial Intelligence), fostering industry partnerships, and changing functions. Speculating over a 30-year span, students demonstrated how societal and technological shifts informed the technical design and phased implementation of their projects. This forward-looking approach also prompted considerations of environmental sustainability beyond just embodied carbon. As part of design development, student projects were presented to live client panels, enabling integration of feedback and the introduction of new perspectives for the school's future trajectory.

Students

MArch2

Ali Al-Siwife, Amirah Azman, Nikhil Bhagwat, Seth Daker, Cosmin-George Dobrea, Qipei Fang, Katie Grabowski, Chuyue Jiang, Akash Joshi, Mark Kovacs-Biro, Mengxuan Liu, Yanjun Liu, Ruochen Lu, Yuexuan Meng, Radu Neagoe, Lauren Ngo, Neerzari Sureshkumar Patel, Mohit Patil, Padmaja Reddy, Qihao Ren, Sanjana Shome, Nirupa Subramanian, Yiqun Tang, Jiandong Yu, Chi Zhang, Yining Zheng, Binyang Zi