Week 3 Reading

Week 3 Reading – Computational Design Thinking

Computation is viewed as a dominant tool which allows one’s mind to express them to a computer system. Graphic computers came into view in the 1960s and were questioned to whether the computers are able, or should mimic the human mind. However during that period, society tried to convince themselves that computer systems would be an entity that allows the intellect of humans to be expanded.

When a designer is to apply some form of design into the computer system, the designer also needs to comply with the fact that he/she needs to set out rules in regards to the how the form or functionality the object is desired. The computational design approach primarily targets on the variety of methods that can be applied when designing complex models in different environment. The process of design is brought down to two states; the functionality and the content. In other words, the functionalities are the rules or parameters with the design and the material within the design influences the outcome. 

Like technology, computation processes are also growing and expanding which in turn leads to undiscovered paths and possibilities. However, the computer system cannot simply function without the designer stating the specific description and form of the design. Therefore, the foundations of knowledge in relation to computational design need to be present in order to fully and effectively use computational design.

Reference: Menges, Archim, Introduction, Computational Design Thinking(2011): pp 10-29

Week 2 Readings

The Archaeology Of the Digital: Openings

This week’s reading touched on the history of architecture and technology, and stated how the architectural sector continuously experienced advancements in technology. Just like technology, the advancements in software also came about, and had led to higher professional standards in architecture design programs such as Rhino. Architects slowly became interested in the core principles of parametric designs, which is basically the encoding and the rules that connect the intended design and the result of the design. Parametric design is also defined as a digital drawing board through the use of algorithms, which in turn leads to the design of everyday objects, structures and floor plans as stated by Ceborski. Having being able to use parametric design in architecture is definitely a positive step towards creating what object/design is on your mind. The possibilities of creating unique objects and shapes become endless, allowing design in architecture sector to substantially grow.

In the reading it also tells us how digital architecture cannot be separated with the advancements of how things are planned due to the vast amounts of technology around us in society today. Digital architecture is questioned to whether it can survive without the past design and also ignore the ambitious ideals to create a different and a new world. On a personal perspective, creating architecture from scratch is definitely not an easy job, and more importantly, architecture is all around us and it becomes really hard not to use past designs to gain inspirations to create new ideas.   

References

Ceborski, J 2010, “Introduction: parametric design “in rethinking the architecture

Picon, Antoine, “Introduction,” + People, Computers and architecture: A historical Overview, “ in Digital Culture in Architecture: an Introduction for the design Profession (2010): 7-57.

Week 1 Readings

Computation or Revolution

This week’s reading focuses on the connection between the use of artificial intelligence and the effects on society. Artificial intelligence has become such an idol-like image towards industries, that it became a reliable process to correct or regulate problems.  Some questions come to mind as to whether technology and the use of artificial intelligence should be furthermore relied upon. Without a doubt, humanity will/has become enslaved to artificial intelligence and would lead society to have stepped back in terms of revolution rather than moving forward. Nevertheless, technology cannot intervene in more complex problems indicate that not everything can be processed by computers. Well, at least not yet.

The digital turn in architecture       

                                

The histories of digital design are explored through a comprehensive synopsis. Digital architecture at first was an inspirational matter, but little did they know of the potential it carried. Eventually as time went by, the pen to paper soon transitioned to cyberspace and opened up to new heights of design particularly in the area of construction. The digital designs were then constantly evolved and were accompanied by theoretical influences and post-modernism. 

References

Le Corbusier, “Architecture or Revolution?” Toward an Architecture (1924/1928/2007), pp291-307.

Carpo, Mario, “Introduction,” The digital Turn in architecture 1992-2012 (2013): 8-14.\