Experimental Approach in an Architectural Design Studio - How Digital Technologies Could Change a Design Process

This article communicates results of an experimental pedagogical strategy aiming at both, introducing and taking advantage of new technologies in an architectural design studio. One of the reasons for the notorious unfriendliness of CAD software to the design process comes from the attempt to imitate traditional pen and paper design on the computer. While the whole process could be completely different when performed in a digital environment offering powerful form generation and knowledge modelling possibilities. the proposed teaching method is based on the following principles: (1) emphasis on new methods of designing made possible by the use of computer, (2) communicating the design process, and not only the final result, (3) exploring parametric design for generation of different formal expressions of a design concept, (4) using visual programming to create inter-object relations, etc. A comparison of this experimental approach to other approaches used in design studios (digital or traditional), proves that the architectural results obtained are largely related to the chosen medium and the tools of work. In our opinion, this teaching approach proves to be promising for introducing considerable qualitative changes in the architectural profession, and this way in our built environment as well

Joining Languages, Cultures and Visions: Proceedings of the 13th International CAAD Futures Conference

In a world where sustainability, ecology, collaboration and performance are common concerns, “joining” is a keyword, expressing the idea of an integration of knowledge, efforts and processes aimed at a better future. The CAADFutures 2009 conference thus intends to join professional and scientific reflections, with the notable input of new disciplines that are also concerned with digital design, such as industrial design and civil engineering. As a result, a vivid dialogue is established between different cultural approaches, computational methods and philosophical positions. The field of computer-aided design is faced with many challenges. CAADFutures 2009 addresses the search for new paradigms for sustainable design, the issues derived from the “digital thinking” embedded in current CAD systems as opposed to the needed “design thinking”, and many more pressing questions such as those of heritage, advanced geometry and parametric design, CAD education, virtual environments, interaction and new technologies, simulation, building performance, rapid prototyping, management, collaboration and ideation

Design assistance by complexity-supporting precedents\u27 modelling

Architectural design processes imply complexity at every stage of the development of a project. On one hand, this complexity is rarely taken into consideration by the currently used CAD programs. On the other hand, recent theoretical researches indicate that a large proportion of architectural design processes are based on precedents as a source of inspiration or as a basis for reflection. A precedent is usually seen as a sketch, as a picture, as a drawing or as a visual memory of an architectural object or space. Recent research enlarges this concept into at least two directions: (1) precedents are looked for not only in the architectural space, and (2) itis not only the visual aspect of a precedent that is important, but also its internal logic and structure, the know-how associated to it, and the actions needed for its creation. Usually, architectural design knowledge is implicitly presented by precedents. This design knowledge is applied to design-objects having various levels of generality, at different states of detailing and expected to be dynamically transformed during the following stages of design. Having in mind these characteristics of precedents called for during the architectural design process, we propose to join their visual representation with a description of their most important characteristics: structural organisation, way of production, functional organisation, spatial composition, etc. These can be either described or modelled by the original author, or interpreted by the precedentis “user”. These design-knowledge models can be of use in several ways: (1) providing a library for search of precedents by semantic analogy, (2) offering ready-to-use capsules of design knowledge for new design situations, (3) enriching the “design world” of the user-architect. We have implemented the proposed method of complexity-supporting precedentsi modelling by the means of the functional programming SGDL-Scheme language. The models (a programming function or a structure of programming functions) describe the actions necessary for the creation of an object (or its digital representation) and the structural organisation between the models in order to generate new, more complex ones. The concept of describing actions instead of shapes, provides a multi-level applicability of the models. Visual presentations (digital maquettes, images or animations) of newly generated objects can be stored in a visual-library of the assistant, thus creating a new “precedent” that can be referred to in future by visual analogy. The design-knowledge that has generated the new object, is stored and linked to the image. Thus, the visual stimulus of a precedent can be joined with functional characteristics, production procedures and/or semantic meaning of the object. The paper will present the “engine” of the proposed assistant, its organisation, as well as digital models of precedents that have served as a basis for the design of new architectural objects or structures. The assistant is conceived as an open, complexity supporting structure that can be further developed by the “user-architect”. We will discuss the advantages and limitations of the proposed assistant.

Action Based Approach to Archaeological Reconstruction Projects: Case of the Karnak Temple in Egypt

The proposed paper deals with a numerical approach that could better assist the archaeologist in the archaeological reconstruction projects. The goal of our research is to explore and study the use of computerized tools in archaeological reconstruction projects of monumental architecture in order to propose new ways in which such technology can be used

Understanding Gothic Rose Windows with Computer-Aided Technologies

This paper explains the parameters and methodology at the heart of an ongoing research project that seeks to verify whether one can trace back the genesis of any given artefact or work of art by means of computer-aided modelling. In its endeavour our research team Computer Assisted Design Research Group (GRCAO) aims to initiate and propose novel methods of modelling design processes. This approach is exemplified by a case study dealing with rose tracery designs adorning Gothic cathedrals of 12th and 13th Century “Žle-de-France”. A computerized model reenacting their design process was developed along with an interface enabling the translation of the designer’s intentions into a virtual design space. The stated goal of this research project is to evaluate empirically to what extent our modelling strategies can grasp a given artefact as a logical and articulate ensemble. Furthermore, we seek eventually to determine whether this kind of software programme would prove an adequate tool in the development of the architectural designer’s cognitive abilities

Using Digital Devices to Find New Ways of Representing Audience Visibility in Theatrical Spaces

The following paper is in keeping with other pieces of research which tend to broaden the role of todayis computer tools so that they be seen as more than just representative. In fact, more and more studies focus on computer tools used as smart guides in the development stages of the preliminary concept. We therefore present a cognitive and interactive device with characteristics that address a theatre designeris requirements. It provides information on the visual quality of seats and optimizes their location in order to improve audience visibility. The working method we introduce will serve as a basis for future implementations when designing theatrical facilities and providing for audience visibility

Computer Modeling as a Means of Reflexion in Archaeology. a New Epigraphic and Architectural Approach Applied to a Monument Registered on the World Heritage List.

Purpose of this paper is to present the first promising results of an ongoing research program that is part of a larger multi-year project carried out by the Computer Aided Design Research Group (GRCAO) of the Universitè de Montrèal, in order to define new methods of archaeological restitution using computer-aided means. This novel approach involves a redefinition of surveying techniques, data processing and knowledge-based thinking in disciplines such as epigraphy and architecture. As its chosen field of investigation, the GRCAO is using the Egyptian temple of Karnak, a monument on the UNESCO World Heritage list that is of considerable historical importance. This impressive archaeological site serves as an excellent case study and testing ground for the project, since it underwent tremendous and complex architectural transformations in the course of its two thousand year-long history

Digital environment for learning and designing architecture

This research aims at stimulating the exploration process in architectural design through the conception and the creation of a computational environment centered on a library of referents. Based on a specific way of describing the referents, as well as on the energizing role we wanted the library to play in the design process, we could draw the characteristics of such an environment. The representation of the referents is seen as a combination of descriptions in different format. Offered to students, it allows for new interpretations, for interaction with their content, and finally, for the integration of knowledge during the process of architectural exploration

Die digitale Vorlesung zur Steigerung der Effektivität und Effizienz des Lernens in Großgruppen

Die Anzahl der Studierenden an deutschen Hochschulen ist in den letzten 10 Jahren um fast 70% gestiegen. So stehen Lehrende an Hochschulen vermehrt dem Problem gegenüber, die Lernumgebung für eine möglichst große Anzahl an Studierenden effektiv und effizient zu gestalten. Im Rahmen eines Innovationsprogrammes für gute Lehre an der Technischen Universität Braunschweig wurde ein neues Lehrkonzept in der Vorlesung Finanzierungstheorie des Instituts für Finanzwirtschaft, basierend auf der „Inverted Classroo“-Methode, implementiert. Ziel dieses Beitrages ist die Erörterung der Frage, ob dieses Lehrkonzept zu einer Steigerung der Effektivität und Effizienz des Lernens in Großgruppen führen kann. (DIPF/Orig.

III La Memoire de Ettore Gelpi(1)(Part 1 Memorial Articles for Ettore Gelpi)

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