Real design practice, real design computation. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Zichu Will
• Is Part Of: International journal of architectural computing. Volume 19:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 104
• Page End: 115
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Digital practice -- design computation -- data in design -- Building Information Modeling -- software customization; Architecture -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Architecture -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Virtual reality in architecture -- Periodicals; Computer-aided design -- Periodicals; Architecture -- Data processing; Periodicals; 720.2840285536
• DOI: 10.1177/1478077120958165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-0771

Abstract

The business model of architecture has been accused of being technologically deficient. Through case studies, this paper investigates alternatives to the status quo of computation in architecture, with a focus on design-oriented service providers. It first examines the discourse on computation within the field, then describes the experiments of a relevant design firm before discussing implications for the wider industry. In the process, the paper articulates the gap between theoretical computing applications and the realities of the architecture business. It addresses difficult technological adaptations within the industry with concrete use cases of integrated computing expertise, highlighting opportunities, benefits, and, more importantly, the need for a computational workforce.