Beginner’s Guide to Computational Design

There are already plenty of videos, courses, and discussions about computational design in architecture as it gradually gains popularity in the design process, but how do you actually start learning about computational design? How do you know if it is for you? Do you want to be a computational designer? 

As more and more design/architecture firms are adapting and incorporating the data-driven design approach, it has also increased the demand for software skills like Grasshopper (Rhino) or even coding languages like Python. It is like a technology branch has been added to the architecture. To stay updated with the changing industry, you at least need to know what the entire branch looks like and what it has to offer. 

“Change often faces resistance, but is this a good or bad thing in the design process? Some might argue both sides.” – (A passing thought.) What do you think…

Finding Passion in Computational Design

Can I be honest, like me there might be some people who chose architecture because they did not want to get into too technical stuff like coding or even Engineering. I apologize if it comes off wrong but it is true for my case. As a person, who has disliked the idea of coding for so long, it is super frustrating to see such cool things possible only with coding-based software. I do think sometimes, why everything comes down to you having to be very friendly with technology!! I understand, but trust me, If you love the problem-solving part of architecture you will love visual coding (Grasshopper) too just like me. 

Computational Design was love at first sight for me. This design process has made it possible to explore – more sustainable methods and materials which could be adapted to the changing environment and needs of its user. Its extension into AR/VR, Robotics, and AI is like claiming that anything is possible. 

As a total beginner at it myself, I don’t know the whole picture. It’s that vast and is continuing to grow. But what I have realized after doing a winter school and an entire 5 month studio based on this, is that it will definitely make your workflow faster and you would be able to optimize it for the structure, material, climate etc. based on actual data. 

Having said that, what I have also realized is that – right now computational design is limited to extremely large or more research-based projects. Also, there are very few firms in India at least who are extensively using computational design and those that are even using have very limited projects that allow such exploration. YET 

Overview of Computational Design 

Computational Design follows a more data-driven design process. It has made it possible to translate intangible aspects into tangible parameters which can be adjusted to suit the requirements best. It is not here to replace the conventional design process but will help speed up the whole process. This process will be of so much use and doesn’t it make sense to design like this? It has branched into Generative Design, Fabrication, Parametric Architecture etc. 

As if I haven’t already said enough about it, here’s a brief overview of what you’ll be able to do with it:

1. Optimized and Faster workflows/design process  
2. New Possibilities in design/material/production  
3. Responding to complex, real-world factors of the design  

Don’t take my word for what potential computational design can offer – See for yourself what architects are achieving in this field. You can start with – Neri Oxman and Achim Menges. Trust me, you’ll be mind-blown. There are many more architects, and designers who are pushing the boundaries constantly. 

Top Courses and Free Resources for Computational Design

Choose what suits you best, whether you’re a student or working a 9-5 job:

Beginner – Start here to build a strong foundation

• Start with studying the works of Computational Design-based Architects like Roland Snooks and Robert Stuart Smith (Kokkugia), Mark Burry, and Nuru Karim, read about the process and not just the final project. (To begin with, you can visit the ‘Related Posts’ where I simplify the works of these architects) 
• Watch YouTube lectures of these architects – You might get overwhelmed at first as these lectures might demand a lot of attention to actually understand but once you get in flow, you will get a hang of things quickly. (You can begin with my blog to know the basics and then dive into the lecture with a good base knowledge.)
• In the previous episode of Archi Tales – A student doing a Master in Computational design and Fabrication gave an entire list of resources which can help you start without investing money into it.