Computational Design Pedagogy for the Cognitive Age

Abstract

This paper explores and reflects on an integrative computational design thinking approach, which requires the melding of computation, design and theory as a conceptual framework, to be implemented in architectural education. Until now, digital design education is typically based on the introduction of digital tools and plugins at university courses and the subsequent application of these tools to design tasks of limited architectural complexity. At this time, technological advancement has not been matched by a comparable advancement in computational design thinking. The paper describes in detail a novel conceptual framework for course setup that illustrates the using of computational design as a manner of thinking in patterns of interaction across various scales, reaching from building design to regional planning. This approach was subsequently tested in a series of master-level studios, the results of which will be presented as case studies in this paper.

Un análisis de las perspectivas de estudiantes y expertos sobre la evaluación de la creatividad en la informática de diseño arquitectónico

“…Advances in computational design technologies have been influential for a long while (Asanowicz, 1989;Pittioni, 1992), and have become intense regarding the changes in curriculum over the last two decades (Oxman, 2008;Duarte et al, 2012;Varinlioglu et al, 2016;Benner & McArthur, 2019;Fricker et al, 2020). Diversification and proliferation of computational design tools, methods and processes have made it necessary to reconsider the issue of creativity in architecture education.…”

The diagonal axis from VERB to VOID: interdisciplinarity in basic design studio education

“…For instance, Hassanpour and S ¸ahin (2021) argue that technological-instructional tactics, particularly a supplementary digital toolkit, induce students to reflexively approach instructional inputs and avoid mental shortcuts. Similar novel conceptual frameworks that incorporate technology into studio instruction to trigger improved creativity, design productivity and design exploration by idea generation have also variously been developed by Cindioglu et al (2021) (mixed-reality framework for basic design), Fricker et al (2020) (computational design as a means for thinking in interaction patterns across various scales) and Karada g and T€ uker (2022) (integration of ecology-based concepts into computational design thinking).…”