My Journey and Insight on Exploring Computational Design
Hello readers and fellow architects! I am Nandita, a professional architect with four years of experience in the field, and today marks the inception of my blogging journey. Join me as I share my enthusiasm and curiosity about a transformative aspect of architecture that has recently captured my attention – Computational Design.
I've journeyed through the intricacies of traditional architectural design and construction in my everyday practice. While my architectural journey has been rich, there's always room for growth, especially in understanding the impact of technology in our ever-evolving field. In the pursuit of bridging this gap, I found myself exploring the cutting-edge practices of renowned architectural firms, wondering how they crafted designs that seemed propelled by an invisible force. What were they doing differently, and how could I tap into this technological wave?
Photo by Pim de Boer on Unsplash
It was during my search for courses to advance my skills, I stumbled upon the term "Computational Design." The complex terminologies were a bit daunting, but I saw a perfect opportunity for growth, a chance to bridge the technological gap in my architectural understanding. The more I delved into it, the more captivated I became by its transformative capabilities.
Understanding Computational Design
So, what exactly is Computational Design? Computational design, I learned, is not just a tool but a methodology. It empowers architects to formulate problems and solutions in a language that computers understand. It involves adept algorithms and programming to generate and optimize designs. This methodology extends its influence across diverse industries, from AEC and fashion to construction, fabrication, and robotics.
The shift towards computational design is more than mastering software; it's about cultivating a mindset. Computational thinking involves breaking down problems into smaller, solvable parts – a fusion of computation and thought. It demands a fresh approach, where problems are not just solved but dissected, analyzed, and optimized systematically. This systematic approach to problem-solving sets the foundation for better, more efficient solutions.
Image source: https://www.novatr.com/blog/how-to-become-a-computational-designer, Novatr
As a novice, I found that computational design is a vast arena, encompassing parametric design, algorithmic design, performative design, generative design, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Each category offers distinct tools and methodologies tailored to diverse design needs. It will be too much to discuss all of this in a single post, but keep exploring I will post more about it soon. If you are too curious then you can learn more about it in the article Understanding Computational Design (The Ultimate Guide) - 2024
Tips for Keeping Up with Computational Design Trends
To keep up with the latest in computational design, I follow industry experts and read books and blogs on the topic, attend webinars and events. If you're enthusiastic about delving deeper into the intricacies of computational design, Novatr's insights are an invaluable resource. They also offer a course called "Master Computational Design", where they teach industry-relevant skills that will help you learn and grasp the knowledge of computational design. Additionally, "Computational Design Thinking" by Achim Menges and Sean Ahlquist, is a compelling read for gaining deeper insights into this dynamic field.
My journey into computational design has been nothing short of transformative. It's more than a career prospect; it's a mindset shift that has redefined my approach to design challenges. As a beginner, I invite you to join me on this exciting path where creativity converges with cutting-edge technology, forming a perfect synergy for the architects of tomorrow.
It is just the beginning of my exploration into computational design, and I'm thrilled to share my insights and experiences through future blogs. Your ideas and perspectives on computational design are welcome – feel free to comment and join the conversation. Here's to a future where creativity and technology intertwine seamlessly in the architectural landscape. Stay tuned for more adventures into the world of computational design!
