Impact of cognitive load associated with learning and using parametric tools in architectural design

This research aims to explore the impact of cognitive load associated with parametric tools on design ideation. Cognitive Load Theory refers to leveraged resources in limited working memory. In design, benefits have been found in higher load situations. However, semantic processing, associated with learning processes, has shown negative impact on the design outcome. Because of the rapid evolution of software, computational expertise tends to be increasingly transient, and architects find themselves in a situation where they constantly must partially re-learn their tools. Only few research takes the mental activity associated with digital environments into account, especially more complex ones such as parametric. Furthermore, there is no trace of research regarding how mental load associated with learning can affect design production. This paper focuses on an elective master course on computational design for architects. Both retrospective and concurrent protocol analysis are used in combination with the function behaviour structure ontology and linkography We observe that most of the cognitive effort is geared towards resolving issues related to using parametric tools, which is contradictory to previous studies. We find that their use of over-constrained experimental environments does not enable them to capture the learning related cognitive activity. Thus, it raises the question of experimental settings and research methodology regarding cognition in the digital age

Architecture students’ search behavior in parametric design

peer reviewedOver the last decade, architecture has witnessed a growing popularity for new computational tools such as parametric design environments (PDEs). Given their rapid evolution and development, expertise tends to become increasingly transient, and architects find themselves in a situation where they must constantly re-learn their tools. At the same time, information access has become increasingly widespread. Self-learners can thus rely on information retrieval systems to address knowledge gaps. However, the inherent tool complexity has given rise to a new kind of knowledge. Based on the different types described by Anderson and Krathwohl, the authors have previously shown that conceptual knowledge is essential for teaching parametric design. In contrast, research on interactive information retrieval (IIR) has shown procedural knowledge to be preferred in create tasks like design. Consequently, it can be argued that in a self-learning situation, architects might not be in line with teaching recommendations regarding knowledge retrieval, especially when considering the visual scripting nature of certain PDEs. The purpose of this paper is to observe cognitive patterns in knowledge search activities while designing in parametric environments and validate the integration of CLT and IIR for further research. We highlight the types of knowledge and sources architecture graduate students, novices in PDEs, search for and why during design over multiple sessions. The paper reports on three design tasks completed during a computational course that emphasized student's autonomy. A qualitative analysis of interviews reveals epistemic actions to fall prey to procedural information and is in line with both IIR and CLT research. This research is part of a PhD project studying the impact of knowledge retrieval on architectural design when using PDEs. Eventually, it could raise awareness in education, research, and practice regarding information retrieval in architectural design

Vers plus d'autonomie. Dynamique des apprentissages : le transfert

Travail intégré présenté en vue de l'obtention du certificat de réussite à la formation CAPAE

Résonances et dissipations

La découverte de disques protosolaires et d’exoplanètes autour d’étoiles autre que le Soleil a redynamisé les études combinant les effets de résonances en moyen mouvement et les forces dissipatives dans le problème restreint des trois corps, elliptique et spatial. Cette thèse présente cette combinaison sous trois approches différentes. Un modèle semi-numérique permet de simuler le comportement de particules soumises à des forces dissipatives connues ou génériques. Ce modèle est valable pour toutes excentricités et inclinaisons de l’orbite, même élevées, et les captures autour d’équilibres symétriques et asymétriques ont été reproduites. Le résultat le plus souvent rencontré dans le modèle spatial est la capture en résonances de Kozai. Des modèles analytiques ont été développés afin de mieux comprendre l’influence de chaque terme considéré dans le développement de la fonction hamiltonienne. Un autre modèle numérique, plus rapide, apporte la possibilité de suivre l’évolution de milliers de particules. Ce mapping a été appliqué dans l’étude de la stabilité de l’anneau F de Saturne.The discovery of protosolar disks and exoplanets around several stars has revitalized the research combining mean motion resonances and dissipative forces in the elliptic spatial restricted three-body problem. This thesis presents that combination in three different ways. A semi-numerical model simulates the behaviour of test particles under the effects of well- known dissipative forces or generic forces. This model is valid for any orbital eccentricities or inclinations, even at high values, and captures around sym- metric and asymmetric equilibria are reproduced. The most common result is the capture in Kozai resonance. Analytical models have been developed to understand the influence of each particular term in the development of the hamiltonian function. An other faster numerical model allows the possibility of following the evolution of thousands of test particles. This mapping has been applied in the study of the stability of the F-ring of Saturn

Syllabus d'exercices de Mathématique 1 : première bachelier en Architecture

Syllabus d'exercices destinés aux étudiants en première année de bachelier en Architecture pour le cours de mathématique 1. Les exercices sont accompagnés d'un solutionnaire. Table des matières : 1 Exercices sur les nombres et les op érations p3 2 Exercices en trigonom étrie p5 3 Exercices sur les études de fonctions p13 4 Exercices sur les exponentielles p20 5 Exercices sur les int égrales p25 5.1 Coordonn ees cart esiennes p25 5.2 Coordonn ées polaires p30 5.3 Coordonn ées param étriques p31 5.4 Exercices sur les calculs de volume p33 6 Exercices suppl émentaires sur les calculs d'aire et de volume p35 7 Examen de juin 2013 p3