Learning Computational Design in an Architecture Studio

A Journey of Integrating Nature, Systems, and Design Processes

Architecture| Computational Design| Inside the Studio
December 25, 2024

By now, from my previous post, you may have gained a general understanding of computational design (if you haven’t, be sure to check out the links in the comment section). In this post, I am sharing my first computational design-based architecture studio experience. This semester, I had the opportunity to learn under the guidance of faculty member Balaji Rajasekaran.

The studio, titled Behavioral Agency – Abstracting Intelligence/Methodology/Innovations, aimed to approach architectural design unconventionally. It also sought to integrate production and material systems, nature, and design processes to create more cohesive and compatible architecture.

So, to make things clearer, let’s walk through the process we followed in the studio over the past four months. There were five teams exploring different natural and physical phenomena: Aggregation (Crystallization), Botanical Growth System, Self-Organization System, Swarm Intelligence, and Viscous Liquids. I was part of the team exploring the Self-Organization System. But what exactly are self-organization systems? These are systems in which individual particles move or act based on local information, without any awareness of the global effects.

One example of a self-organization system is Cellular Automata (CA). In CA, individual cells change their states based on their neighbors and specific rulesets. The cells can have binary states, like alive or dead, and the number of neighbors can be defined. Have you heard of Minecraft and Minesweeper? They are based on a CA concept called Game of Life.

This was our background study. Simultaneously, we began exploring the physical phenomenon of foam reduction through liquids. We tested different foam densities (like thermocol) with various liquids such as super glue, acetone, linseed oil, and acids. Our goal was to observe patterns and understand behavior under various applications. After a series of experiments, we found that acetone in different densities of thermocol exhibited fascinating behavior, which you can see in the picture below.

We abstracted these behaviors using Game of Life, simulating it first in 2D and then in 3D. Simulation helps us approximate actual behavior digitally while controlling parameters. These parameters were defined by Game of Life rules, such as the number of neighbors, the ruleset, cell state type. Taking this idea further, we incorporated layers of density, scale, resolution, and proportions in Grasshopper (Rhino), among other factors. At the same time, we began exploring a production and material system informed by our digital explorations.

For production, we focused on CNC milling and casting (both negative and positive). The goal with the material system was to create a material with a lifecycle—one that coexists with nature and eventually returns to it. We explored bio-plastics, sand-based materials, and natural resin-based options. After considering casting suitability and setting time, we narrowed our choice to a particular sand-based

material that could be cast in a manner similar to concrete. The next step was testing the production system using our digital exploration, then testing the material with the selected production system.

This test further informed our digital explorations, adding more layers like solid-to-void ratio, light quality, and stability of cells—layers that would help create habitable spaces. Based on all these explorations, I developed my individual project. This added layers of intelligence to the script in terms of circulation, structure, programmatic spaces, adjacencies, and context. I have created a mind map to show how systems are interdependent.

These layers informed the digital explorations, leading to the final design. Below is a glimpse of my final design. (If you’re interested, I’ll dive deeper into my individual process in another post.)

So, this is a brief summary of my last four months. I’m incredibly grateful to this studio for providing so much insight into this aspect of architectural design. However, beyond all the exciting computational design content, there were a few challenges. One of the biggest struggles was letting go of control. When I say control, I don’t mean that we didn’t get to design. Instead, it means setting parameters, letting the system generate options, selecting the best one, and then detailing it out. The process of translating intangible qualities of space into tangible factors is quite different from conventional methods that rely on proportions, volumes, and the like. It takes time to get comfortable with this new approach.

There’s a feeling that I’ve picked up during my time in architecture school—this idea that you must struggle (the aesthetic of endless tracing and thick pencil lines, where you feel like a true architect—do you relate? Or is it just me?). This struggle was so different from what I was used to. Giving up control didn’t align with that familiar feeling, and as a result, I doubted myself a lot throughout the process. Have I done enough?

Another challenge was understanding how to effectively communicate the design. The plan and section didn’t convey everything clearly, internal views didn’t give the full picture, and designing in “walkthrough mode” was a challenge. The 3D model helped, but it still took a lot of time and sectional perspectives to get a complete understanding.

In my opinion, everyone should go through this process at least once, just to explore this side of the design world. If you get the chance to take a course or studio like this, do it!

I’ve attached a link to this semester’s portfolio, where you can dive deeper into the process. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to start a conversation!

Portfolio link-

https://portfolio.cept.ac.in/2024/M/fa/behavioural-agency-ar3057-monsoon-2024/maker-s-matrix-a-community-crafts-centre-monsoon-2024-uar21034

Thanks for Reading !!

And in case you missed my previous posts about Computational Design, where I discuss the overall idea, here are some links:

1. https://architaleandtrails.in/introduction-to-computational-design-key-concepts-and-studio-insights/

2. https://architaleandtrails.in/computational-design-explained-a-students-inside-view/

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.