Joshua
Fowler here, as a means of a little clarification regarding my thesis, the
following is an excerpt from my writings about computational design, enjoy.
Within the ethos of architecture design,
new-coming technologies are extruding forth new potential for optimization.
Structure, fenestration, form, skin, materiality, and more, all now becoming
viewed in progressive ways though the utilization of technology for
optimization. Architecture following such a technological inclination can be
viewed as having a parameter based genetic code which can be digitally altered
and optimized in order to save time, material, money, etc. Imagine designs and
architecture having all of its components meticulously mapped out in a genetic
code which contains the generative instructions for design form, tectonics,
structure, etc. as well as generates the
capability to adapt to certain situations. Thereby allowing designs to not only
function optimally in three dimensions but break a boundary into the fourth
dimension of time. Now imagine being able to alter this genetic code relatively
simply, rendering the results entirely different or involving fewer or greater
parameters. Entire spaces could perform
on their own to optimize for certain situations, fenestration which alters
itself for various desired purposes, all without the direct attention of the
occupants within. By giving architecture a responsive and genetic code, we can
create a new breed of living buildings. Emerging technologies are now allowing
for an easier transition toward this responsive and algorithmic genetic code
based method of design. Aesthetics could also then become responsive and
therefore provide a potential for greater user interaction with the
architecture. New dialogs can be created between the
architecture and the occupants, based on proximity, number of occupants, and
other various parameters. Algorithmic genetic design as a design implementation
opens the doors for a new echelon of digitally based design intended for the
optimization of numerous aspects of design.
Computational design in architecture
has established a new epoch in design process methodologies evolved from the
digitization of more traditional design process. "'Computation'… allows
designers to extend their abilities to deal with highly complex situations.
Sean Ahlquist and Achim Menges define computation as 'the processing of
information and interactions between elements which constitute a specific
environment; it provides a framework for negotiating and influencing the
interrelation of datasets of information, with the capacity to generate complex
order, form, and structure.'" [1]
Many more factors can now be considered while utilizing algorithmic design
permitting an influx of information and parametric data to permeate design
decisions and thus the design and architecture itself. This informed approach
based method aids in creating additional purpose and meaning to design and
architecture.
Perhaps one of the more appetizing
rationales for computational design lies in the capability to seamlessly
translate the notions of complex genetic algorithmic designs into tactile,
fully functioning, physical entities.
With the potential for a multiplicity of complex forms available through modern
technologies and practices along with the compressed timeframes of
construction, it has become inherently necessary to involve projects on a
computational level for speed and accuracy. This technological involvement is
now also shifting toward the construction and fabrication trades allowing for a
smoother transition between digital designs and construction and fabrication.
Such design, construction, and fabrication techniques have also allowed and
supported the creation of parametric families rather than a specific repetitive
detail. Computational design also contains the capability to ease the
transition to digital fabrication through the calculation and deconstruction of
a design into its specific pieces for fabrication.
[1] Peters, Brady.
"Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought."
Architectural Design 83, no. 2 (2013): 8-15.
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