The Decline of Architects: Can a Computer Design Fine Architecture without Human Input? (original) (raw)

Computers for Architects - Only a Tool?

1991

The paper states that, as a result of the schism between architecture as art and engineering as rationalism, the architectural community underestimates the computer as tool with a potential to substantially enlarge the possibilities of building design. It is claimed that the computer could serve as coordination tool for the ruptured design process, as a virtual workbench where all design disciplines sit together and develop their designs in enhanced conscience of what the whole design demands. The paper then concludes, that to develop such software tools, architects must participate in the development of software and may no longer be restricted to the role of applicants, especially during their universitary instruction. The corresponding research and training facilities at the University of Karlsruhe, Faculty of Architecture are described.

Architectural Design in the Age of Enhanced Artificiality

in_bo, 2020

This article would like to offer a philosophical overview on the subject of the author in light of the evolution of technology and the explosion of computation with particular reference to their impact on the disciplines of architecture and design. Within this premise though, the scope of many of the presented concepts can be widened to encompass any form of creative process, human and non-human alike. The concept of authoriality, and the relation between design and making will be reviewed under the lens of computation and its evolution, from the relevant historical premises underlined by Carpo and the figure of Leon Battista Alberti to the raise of AI and its foreseeable potential.

Designing Tomorrow: AI and the Future of Architectural Design Process

Forum A+P, 2023

This essay explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of architecture, focusing on the impact on design innovation, production processes, as well as the ethical implications arising from inherent biases within these technologies. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into architectural practices, it offers the potential to revolutionize the discipline by enhancing efficiency, creativity, and sustainability. This investigation delves into the history and evolution of AI in architecture, tracing their journey from early computational design experiments to their current applications in generative design and robotic construction, which exemplify the shift towards more innovative and sustainable architectural practices. Furthermore, the essay highlights the involvement of the INNEN research team in integrating AI into academic and research activities within and besides the curriculum. It delves into the ways in which AI technologies are reshaping the boundaries of architectural design and construction, emphasizing on practical applications of AI in architectural design in education and professional work. This analysis uncovers the profound possibilities of AI in formulating groundbreaking design approaches and construction methods, underscoring research's role in propelling architectural thinking and practice forward through the use of technology.

Computers and Creativity in Architecture

eCAADe proceedings

The main purpose of this teaching and research project is to define those principles capable of determining a possible approach to computer-adied design for architecture-not seen as as a mere tool but as a way of supporting decision-making. This project for training architects is based on two fundamental principles: the study of urban development, as regards historical and motivational aspects, and the study of building types [A] as regards architectural composition, considered as the organization of empty spaces connected by constructing enclosures hierarchically, whose interrelations create an architectural language. These principles can be readily applied and are easily recognizable in buildings which have undergone some sort of planning and are reproducible. Using computers as an aid to decision-making in architectural design means it is necessary to configure an expert system endowed with Artificial Intelligence operating through a neural network. By means of a set of initial input and data this system must be able to provide the most suitable responses in architectural terms to the models proposed. Another approach is to check whether it is possible to synthesize new models. This first stage of research is particularly important

Computer-Aided Architectural Design Futures (CAADFutures) 2007

2007

This paper examines the meaning of information and communication technology (ICT) for architectural design in early 1. Background 1.1. CHANGES IN THE DIGITAL DESIGN ENVIRONMENT It has recently been noticed that several changes within the domain of architectural design have been strongly affected by information and communication technologies (ICT). The working environment of building designers as well as most of the core activities in the AEC-sector became digitalized during the 1990s (Samuelson 2002). In the Scandinavian construction sector, roughly 70-80% of drawings are currently produced digitally. A Nordic IT-barometer scanning the ICT-status was first published in 1998, then again in 2002 and a third survey is currently in progress, and is due to publish follow-up information in spring 2007. Despite the tools and technology, the widening spectrum of requirements posed by our society has accelerated these changes in the professional environment. All these prevailing changes together are currently reforming the contemporary profile of the architectural profession. New professional

Architect-Computer Symbiosis

2014

This paper elaborates on the particular symbiotic relationship that exists between the architect and the computer when working with architectural design programs, by studying the first graphic interface in 1963: Sketchpad. Sketchpad and the computer programs that evolved from it are used in architecture as tools, and are presumed to have powers in themselves beyond the skill of the artisan. However, unlike what happens with traditional architectural drawing tools that are largely transparent to the drafter, in computer aided design drawing the computer is always an active participant in the design process wherein the system by which the commands are executed is mostly invisible to the operator. The new expectation of computer drawing that originated with the birth of interactive computers fundamentally changed drawings’ role in favor of maximizing communication with the computer, and the objective of using line drawing for input data was to strengthen the symbiotic partnership betwe...

Clients, architects, houses and computers: Experiment and reflection on new roles and relationships in design

Proceedings of the 21st Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA)

This paper reports on recent work that focused on the potential impact of standard computer technology on the relationship between client and architect in the context of residential design. A study of software applications a client could use to develop and evaluate ideas exposed the dearth of software available for the design of spatial complexity by individuals without advanced computer skills, and led to the design of a specific piece of software we call "Space Modeler." It was prototyped using off-the-shelf virtual reality technology, and tested by a group of freshmen students. The paper discusses the specificities of the software and provides analysis and reflection based on the results of the test, both in terms of design artifacts and users' comments. The paper concludes that the evolution of the interface to electronic environments is a matter of interest for those concerned with rethinking the training, role and activity of the architect. In the near future prospective homeowners may be able to experience and experiment with the space of their home before it is built. How can the profession embrace new information technology developments and appropriate them for the benefits of society at large?

Computing in architectural design: reflections and an approach to new generations of CAAD

Jornal of Information Technology in Construction ( …, 2006

This paper introduces a reflective perspective on the role of computing in architectural design over the previous generations of computer aided design. Paradigms of the design process and computational models of designing are discussed. The evolution of computer aided architectural design is investigated. Both deadly sins and arguable virtues of computing in architectural design and their implications are reviewed. Based on addressing recent emerged developments of computer aided architectural design (CAAD), this paper introduces an approach for the new generations of CAAD that has the potential to provide a better CAAD future for architectural researchers, educators and professionals. This approach envisages that in the new generations of CAAD architectural designing will be carried out collaboratively and synchronously within smart and real-time 3D virtual environments within which architects are designing with intelligent agents based on the view of situated digital architectural design.