Inside Computational Design: Insights from a Student

Welcome to the first installment of Archi-Tales: The Interview Series. This blog series explores the cutting-edge field of computational design and architecture. We aim to offer a window into the diverse experiences and insights of those who are both practicing and studying this innovative discipline. Our goal is to provide a deeper understanding of computational design through direct conversations with its key players.

To kick off this series, I am thrilled to feature Kavya Sabin, a master’s student in Computational Design and Fabrication at CEPT University. With an academic background in Creative and Applied Computation, Kavya brings a unique perspective to the table. In our conversation, she sheds light on the nuances of computational design, its practical applications, and her personal journey through this fascinating field.

What is the Bottom-Up Approach in Computational Design?

Kavya elaborates on the bottom-up approach in computational design, contrasting it with traditional design methodologies. Traditional design often begins with a specific problem, context, or program, and then the design is developed based on that foundation. In contrast, the bottom-up approach in computational design starts with algorithms and rules, sometimes inspired by nature, to generate design components. These components serve as a base for creating intricate structures, which are later given a specific purpose. 

How Does the Mindset Shift from Conventional to Computational Design?

Kavya highlights a significant shift in mindset when moving from traditional to computational design. Traditional design often focuses on achieving a specific end goal and adjusts the process to meet that goal. Computational design, on the other hand, operates based on predefined rules and algorithms, allowing for a more dynamic and adaptable approach.

To illustrate this, Kavya shares an example used by one of her faculty members. Imagine a student traveling from a class to the canteen. The start and end points are fixed, but the journey can vary based on several parameters. The student might prefer to avoid crowded areas, need to stop for food, or have budget constraints. They might even take a longer route if they encounter someone they know along the way. While traditional design might focus on the most efficient path, computational design can account for these varying parameters and offer multiple adaptive routes based on the student’s preferences and constraints.

As one of Kavya’s classmates aptly put it, computational design is like traditional design “on steroids”—you get more out of it because you’re using parameters and rules input into a computer, allowing for far greater generative possibilities within a shorter time. The power of machines combined with human creativity offers limitless potential. Even with AI, which is limited by its training data, human ingenuity can add dimensions that machines cannot.

What Motivates Kavya to Pursue Computational Design?

Kavya’s motivation for pursuing a master’s in computational design stems from her desire to make a tangible impact. She recognized the potential of computational design to address challenges in fabrication and sustainability. Kavya aims to bridge the gap between design and fabrication processes, optimizing methods to reduce waste.

What’s the Best Part of Computational Design?

She is particularly excited about the hands-on fabrication experiences in her master’s program. Coming from a digital media background, she finds working with materials like ceramics and large machines both challenging and rewarding. This practical experience, combined with computational tools, helps her view everyday objects from new perspectives.

She explains that a simple way to describe computation is like a child using a toy with various holes and shapes, trying to find the right fit. This analogy illustrates the computational approach of thinking in terms of parameters, end goals, and starting points.

Kavya also notes that the best part of computational design is its applicability across various fields. Considering and designing for multiple parameters is a significant advantage over traditional design, where not all factors can be efficiently addressed.

Advice for Aspiring Computational Designers

For those considering a career in computational design, She suggests a balanced approach that includes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on software skills. Understanding the principles of computational design is crucial, but gaining proficiency with tools will also enhance practical skills.

In terms of theory, it will lift those blinders which are making you see only the form in computation. Because it is far more than just the form. She recalls a lesson from her recent experience with clay ceramics. She was advised not to approach the material as a material scientist would but from a designer’s perspective. This means not getting too absorbed in the technical aspects of the material itself. Instead, the focus should be on how to creatively use the material within the constraints of design rules and algorithms. She also emphasizes that while the form is important, designers should not get stuck within rigid forms and try to think beyond that and how form is helping in realizing the design. Form should rather be the outcome of other parameters rather than governing them. While form is important, it should not govern the design process but rather be the outcome of other parameters. 

Debunking Myths

A common misconception about computational design is that it is limited to creating complex or visually striking forms. Kavya clarifies that computational design encompasses much more. It involves both digital work and significant hands-on efforts. Like any design process, both aspects are integral and work together.

Kavya’s insights into computational design reveal a field rich with potential and complexity. By blending creativity with technological innovation, computational design opens up new possibilities for problem-solving and enhances the design process. This way of thinking can benefit any field, not just design.

Through this series, we hope to continue exploring the diverse aspects of computational design and the experiences of those who are shaping its future. Thanks for reading! Feel free to suggest whom I should interview next. Have someone in mind for the next interview? Drop your suggestions in the comments! Thanks for reading!