Sketching Algorithmic Design
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 28, Issue 2
Abstract
In the last few decades, architecture has experienced paradigm shifts prompted by new computational tools. Algorithmic design (AD), a design approach based on algorithms, is one such example. However, architectural design practice is strongly based on visual and spatial reasoning, which is not easy to translate into algorithmic descriptions. Consequently, even using tailored AD tools, AD programs are generally hard to understand and develop, independently of one’s programming abilities. To address this problem, we propose a methodology and a design environment to support AD in a way that is more akin to the workflow typically employed by architects, who represent their ideas mostly through sketches and diagrams. The design environment is implemented as a computational notebook, with the ability to intertwine code, textual descriptions, and visual documentation in an integrated storytelling experience that helps architects read and write AD programs.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) (references UIDB/50021/2020, PTDC/ART-DAQ/31061/2017) and Ph.D. grants under contract of FCT (Grant Nos. SFRH/BD/128628/2017, DFA/BD/4682/2020, and DFA/BD/06302/2021).
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Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 28 • Issue 2 • June 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 1, 2021
Accepted: Jan 25, 2022
Published online: Mar 14, 2022
Published in print: Jun 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Aug 14, 2022
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