A.2 DESIGN COMPUTATION
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hen it comes to architecture, it is a constant problemsolving process. It relies on both creativity and critical thinking, solving constraints proposed by the environment such as climate, site conditions and so on. Thus, it is an activity that cannot be solved or completed with one facility alone [7] .
Computers, on the other hand, are only analytical by their own nature. It is true that computers can help realise the ideas and concept of architects without being tired and changes to whatever instructions they were called to do but that forms an issue itself. They only work when we told them to work. They only create when we, humans puts our creativity into the systems. This is why the human-computer relationship is important when it comes to producing a design [7]. We often associate the advancement of machinery and technology working together with designers helping to create different and unique outcomes. The relationship between designers and computers have helped bringing ideas into realisation, transforming concept and ideas into reality. This form of utility that is commonly used is defined as computerisation, the storing and manipulating of a designer’s concept which is already in his or her mind [8]. Computerisation is not limited by the knowledge known
by designers with computers, it is merely constraint by the designer’s own mind and imagination. Computer programmes are just tools to help designers bring their concepts into a visually perceivable manner. The Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany by UN Studio is an example of “computerisation”. Based on the idea of trefoil, the spaces within the museum create a chronological timeline when one circulates around the building from top to bottom [9]. Before using computers to help visualise the design, features such as the programmes, infrastructures and even structures are thought out using a strong physical design model. With the help of computer modeling, twisted concrete work and large column-free space are then achieved within the design to accommodate its purpose as display platform [9]. With the on-going development of both human minds and computer programs, the term ‘computerisation’ has slowly taken over by ‘computation’. Computation allows designers to go beyond their imagination and their creativity. Computation means to generate a new set of ideas and design using programs without having any initial thought to it [8]. It allows exploration and generation of unexpected outcomes, a more playful, creative and complex geometry can be formed without any limitation.
[7] Kalay, Yehuda E., Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design, (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2004), pp. 5-25 [8] Roudavski, Stanislav, Design Computation. Presented to Year 3 Architecture Students at University of Melbourne on 13 Mar 2014.
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A.2 DESIGN COMPUTATIONAL