Introduction to Computational Design: Concepts and Studio Insights

Architecture, Computational Design, Inside the Studio, Journey
July 23, 2024

Computational design is a process that involves the use of computer algorithms and digital tools to create and optimize designs. It’s a field where technology and creativity merge, allowing us to analyze and refine designs under practical conditions. By using computer algorithms and digital tools, this field lets us push the boundaries of design like never before. As you get acquainted with computational design, you’ll come across a variety of intriguing concepts and terms. In this post, I’ll introduce you to some of the common terms, key ideas and show you how they influence the design process.

I’ll also give you a glimpse into my first studio experience centered on computational design. You’ll see firsthand how this approach works and what I’m discovering along the way. I’m eager to share my journey and insights with you—let’s explore this fascinating world of design together.

Exploring the Approaches in Computational Design –

Computational design is a broad field, covering various approaches like parametric design, generative design, and form-finding. These terms might seem distinct, but they’re all connected by the process used to generate the design. For instance, parametric design is governed by changing parameters—whether it’s load, dimensions, or physical properties. These parameters act as constraints that shape the design, guiding the creation process. On the other hand, generative designs often emerge from a combination of parameters and algorithms.

As computational design has evolved, so has the need for innovative production systems that can keep up with these new design processes. Traditional practices often fall short when dealing with the complex forms and joineries we now create. This has led to the integration of robotics and automation into the field, making production systems more adaptable. Digital fabrication, for example, is a process that’s grown from this evolution. Technologies like 3D printing and CNC milling are now common, and we’re even experimenting with materials like clay and glass in 3D printing.

With these advancements, there’s also a growing awareness of the environmental impact of the building industry, leading to a search for new sustainable materials.

Several bio-composites are being developed as alternatives to traditional construction materials. These materials often have unique behavioral qualities, allowing them to self-organize or alter in response to environmental changes, and they also decay over time. (I’ll dive deeper into this in another post.) All these innovations stem from the powerful idea of seeing nature as a co-creator in our designs, pushing us toward more sustainable construction methods.

My Journey with Computational Design: A Studio Experience –

As vast as computational design is, everything is interconnected. This blog post is just a glimpse into this world, setting the stage for my ongoing exploration. This semester, I’m part of Balaji Rajasekaran’s studio at CEPT University, titled ‘Behavioural Agency,’ which has been a real eye-opener.

The studio’s goal is to create designs that are innovative and cutting-edge, informed by the natural behaviors and patterns found in fields like biology, chemistry, and physics. Here, material, production, and behavior are intertwined, not seen separately. The aim isn’t to mimic nature but to grasp the essence of these behaviors to inform our design process. This approach has opened up a whole new ideology for me. Nature is incredibly efficient in optimizing structure and energy, so why not learn from it and apply these principles to our designs?

In the studio, we started by exploring different systems—recursive systems, self-organization systems, swarm intelligence, and growth systems. These systems are based on interactions or behaviors observed in nature. For instance, the way birds flock together, fish swim in schools, or ant colonies operate are all examples of such systems. Even the growth patterns of trees and flowers follow recognizable patterns, as documented by Darcy Thompson, a biologist and mathematician who mathematically derived the patterns we observe in nature.

Focusing on Cellular Automata: A Self-Organization System –

In the studio, I’m working with a groupmate on cellular automata, a subtype of self-organization systems. In these systems, parts interact based on simple rules, leading to the emergence of complex and organized patterns or behaviors. Think of a flock of birds flying together—there’s no leader, yet they move in a coordinated manner by following simple rules. This is self-organization in action.

Cellular automata work similarly. Imagine a grid of cells (like squares on graph paper) that change over time based on a set of rules. Our focus is on understanding how a liquid interacts when poured over a material block. For example, when super glue and acetone are poured over thermocol, it burns away, demonstrating a subtractive behavior. By understanding this behavior, we’re deriving a set of rules for our cellular automata and simulating it digitally. The next steps involve developing a production system based on these findings and eventually generating a design.

Discovering New Perspectives in Design -

What excites me most about this journey is being exposed to a completely new ideology that makes so much sense, yet isn’t widely discussed. The approach we’re taking in the studio is non-linear, a departure from the traditional design process. Typically, we start with a program, conduct a user study, and design alongside construction and material systems. But here, we’re adopting a bottom-up approach. It felt unusual at first, but has since become an insightful experience.

This process is challenging how we perceive materials, design, production systems, and how nature can fit into it all. My understanding of sustainability has evolved, and I’m questioning why we haven’t embraced technology more fully in our design process. Computational design can help us optimize our designs, minimizing material use and waste.

Just being exposed to these ideas has motivated me to dive deeper and contribute to this field. This will also be my first time working so closely with technology in the design process, and I can’t wait to learn more, explore different approaches, and become proficient in this exciting realm.

I hope you’ve gained a clearer picture of what this field entails. Computational design is not just about innovative tools and techniques; it’s about rethinking how we approach design itself. I’m excited to continue this journey and uncover more insights along the way. Thank you for joining me in this exploration—stay tuned for more updates. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.

About Me

Devanshi Jain

Hi! Welcome to my blog. I’m an architecture student sharing my journey, from personal stories to diving into computational design as a complete beginner. Join me as I explore new techniques, tackle challenges, and discover how technology transforms design. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just curious, you’ll find valuable insights and a fresh perspective on architecture.