Milad Showkatbakhsh is an architect, educator, and researcher specialising in computational design and emergent technologies. He is the Programme Head of the Emergent Technologies and Design programme (EmTech), the DLAB and Istanbul Visiting School at the AA. As co-founder of Wallacei, a multi-objective optimisation engine for Grasshopper 3D, he empowers designers with advanced generative and machine learning tools. Milad's work integrates biological intelligence principles into architecture, redefining adaptive environments using computational methodologies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from Shahid Beheshti University and a master’s in architecture from Pratt Institute, where he received the Sidney Katz Award in 2015. His PhD at the AA focused on evolutionary models for urban morphologies with homeostatic behaviours.

• Teaching team: DLAB tutors are selected from recent graduates and current tutors at the AA. The small student ratio allows for personalised tutorials and debates
• Facilities: AA's cutting-edge facilities used for the fabrication of physical outputs and prototypes. Digital Prototyping Lab (DPL) offers laser cutting, CNC milling, and 3D printing facilities and two KUKA robotic arms.
• Computational skills: The toolset of DLAB includes but is not limited to Rhinoceros, Processing, Grasshopper and various analysis tools.
• Theoretical understanding: Dissemination of fundamental design techniques and relevant critical thinking methodologies through theoretical sessions and seminars.
• Professional awareness: DLAB performs as a simulation of the professional environment due the priority given to team-based design approach. Participants range from second-year students to PhD candidates and full-time professionals.
• Robotic Fabrication: According to the specific agenda of each year, scaled working models are produced via advanced digital machining tools, followed by the fabrication of a scaled prototype with the use of KUKA KR60 and KR30 robots.
• Lecture series: A series of lectures conveying the diverse expertise of professionals from some of the world’s leading practices in the areas of digital design and fabrication techniques

A £60 non-refundable deposit is required from all applicants to initiate the application. This amount will be deducted from the total fees listed below:
 

• £1994 – Full fee including £60 AA Digital Membership.
• £1390 – Existing AA Member fee.
• £1115 – AA full-time Students.
• £1704 – Melbourne University Students including £60 AA Digital Membership.

Additional Information:
 

• Fees do not include flights or accommodation, but accommodation options can be advised.
• All making materials included.
• Students need to bring their own laptops, and drawing tools.