Cumincad : CUMINCAD Papers : Search Results

CumInCAD is a Cumulative Index about publications in Computer Aided Architectural Design
supported by the sibling associations ACADIA, CAADRIA, eCAADe, SIGraDi, ASCAAD and CAAD futures

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_id	acadia14_153
id	acadia14_153
authors	Lopez, Rodrigo Shiordia; Gerber, David
year	2014
title	Context-Aware Multi-Agent Systems: Negotiating Intensive Fields
source	ACADIA 14: Design Agency [Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA) ISBN 9781926724478]Los Angeles 23-25 October, 2014), pp. 153-162
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2014.153
summary	This paper presents research and experimentation with context-aware multi-agent based design systems to simulate and propose urban schemes that specifically utilize fields of differentiated intensity data in order to propose an infrastructure to support urban revitalization
keywords	Parametric Design, Generative Design, Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO), Multi-Agent Systems, Autonomous Systems, Regenerative Urbanism
series	ACADIA
type	Normal Paper
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	caadria2009_165
id	caadria2009_165
authors	Lopkerd, Prittiporn; Pinto Jinuntuya
year	2009
title	Interactive 3D Simulation System in Game Engine Based Collaborative Virtual Environment for Architectural Design Communication
source	Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / Yunlin (Taiwan) 22-25 April 2009, pp. 533-542
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2009.533
summary	This paper will present an innovative prototype for architectural design based on the Cryengine2 technology, which can generate virtual environments. The objective is for exploratory study and analysis method of using computer game engine that have several features for architecture design process, relate to real-time collaborative virtual environment could derive from multi-player aspects for designer team, and easily level of representation and basis for perception of owner or general user. In addition, the Cryengine2 have easily using and development for designer who is non programmer, and present realistic virtual worlds featuring user friendly interaction. Finally, this paper attempts to explore and suggests novel tools developed within to implement architectural design communication.
keywords	Interactive Communication, Game Engine, CryENGINE, Visualization, Collaborative Virtual Environment
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	12fd
authors	Lorenc, S.J. and Bernold, L.E.
year	1998
title	Excavator-mounted ordnance locating system using electromagnetic sensing technology
source	Automation in Construction 7 (4) (1998) pp. 243-258
summary	There are in excess of 20 million acres of bomb and artillery ranges under the control of the Department of Defense (DoD). Each year some 800,000 to 2,000,000 km2 are turned over to civilian (private or commercial) use. Some of this land is contaminated with buried unexploded ordnance (UXO). These UXOs present a safety hazard and raise many environmental concerns. In addition to inaccurate locating, one of the most difficult aspects for the operator of an excavator is the inability to see the target ordnance while it is covered with soil and debris. This paper presents a system which is mounted to the arm of an excavator and is capable of detecting a buried UXO located in the path of an excavator's bucket. Also, the system is able to determine the precise location of the ordnance relative to the excavator's bucket. This information will allow the operator not only to avoid striking the ordnance during the digging operation, but also to expose the object by removing the soil around it. This technology is also capable of locating small UXO which can be buried within the spoil material. This technology has the potential to result in savings of millions of dollars in operating costs and prevent the damage or loss of equipment.
series	journal paper
more	http://www.elsevier.com/locate/autcon
last changed	2003/05/15 21:22

_id	cf2019_010
id	cf2019_010
authors	Lorenz, Clara-Larissa; Bleil De Souza, Spaeth and Packianather
year	2019
title	Machine Learning in Design Exploration: An Investigation of the Sensitivities of ANN-based Daylight Predictions
source	Ji-Hyun Lee (Eds.) "Hello, Culture!" [18th International Conference, CAAD Futures 2019, Proceedings / ISBN 978-89-89453-05-5] Daejeon, Korea, pp. 75-87
summary	The use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) promises greater efficiency in the assessment of daylight situations than simulations. With the daylight factor under scrutiny and the recent adaptation of climate-based daylight metrics in British and European buildings standards, ANNs provide a possibility for instantaneous feedback on otherwise time-consuming performance metrices. This study demonstrates the application of ANNs as prediction systems in design exploration. A specific focus of the research is the flexibility of ANNs, their reliability and sensitivity to changes.
keywords	Artificial neural networks, atria, climate-based daylight modeling, daylight autonomy, daylight performance, parametric design
series	CAAD Futures
email
last changed	2019/07/29 14:08

_id	ecaadesigradi2019_050
id	ecaadesigradi2019_050
authors	Lorenz, Wolfgang and Wurzer, Gabriel
year	2019
title	Visual Representation of Adjacencies - A NetLogo application to turn functional matrices into bubble diagrams
source	Sousa, JP, Xavier, JP and Castro Henriques, G (eds.), Architecture in the Age of the 4th Industrial Revolution - Proceedings of the 37th eCAADe and 23rd SIGraDi Conference - Volume 2, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, 11-13 September 2019, pp. 11-20
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2019.2.011
summary	This paper is based on the assumption that a key challenge of good design is spatial organization as a result of functional requirements. The authors present a new NetLogo application that assists designers in understanding proposed functional relationships (of spaces) by visualizing them graphically. In more detail, the tool translates adjacency matrices (as representation of functional relationships) into a graph (in architecture known as bubble diagram). The latter can be considered as a pre-step of the actual design, by which the information about functional interrelations becomes more readable and understandable for the designer.
keywords	Adjacency; Bubble Diagram; NetLogo; Visual Representation
series	eCAADeSIGraDi
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	ecaade2020_026
id	ecaade2020_026
authors	Lorenz, Wolfgang and Wurzer, Gabriel
year	2020
title	FRACAM: A 2.5D Fractal Analysis Method for Facades - Test Environment for a Cell Phone Application to Measure Box Counting Dimension
source	Werner, L and Koering, D (eds.), Anthropologic: Architecture and Fabrication in the cognitive age - Proceedings of the 38th eCAADe Conference - Volume 1, TU Berlin, Berlin, Germany, 16-18 September 2020, pp. 495-504
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2020.1.495
summary	Fractal analysis helps explaining and understanding architectural quality, e.g., regarding visual complexity described by fractal (box counting) dimension. FRACAM, a cell phone application, uses fractal image analysis methods and takes into account the specific requirements of architectural purposes at the same time. It was developed by the authors to measure the fractal dimension of buildings; more precisely, to measure (color or grayscale) images of (street) views. This paper examines the results of various implemented algorithms for dependencies on camera settings and environmental factors. The main contribution of the authors deals with both an improved differential box counting mechanism applied to color images and a discussion about measurement results concerning influences on the algorithms presented.
keywords	cell phone application; box counting; fractal dimension; visual complexity; elevation analysis
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	ecaade2016_013
id	ecaade2016_013
authors	Lorenz, Wolfgang E. and Wurzer, Gabriel
year	2016
title	Flying Bricks - Algorithmic Design Studio
source	Herneoja, Aulikki; Toni Österlund and Piia Markkanen (eds.), Complexity & Simplicity - Proceedings of the 34th eCAADe Conference - Volume 1, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, 22-26 August 2016, pp. 205-212
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2016.1.205
wos	WOS:000402063700023
summary	The design studio 'Flying Bricks' was held during the summer semester 2015. Its main objective was to redesign an existing building with the use of facing bricks algorithmically, utilizing algorithmic thinking and programming as a means for form generation. The purpose of having students express their designs in terms of code was to emphasize problem thinking over solution generation, which has several advantages but also disadvantages which we would like to share in this paper. Furthermore, we would like to show how our implementation process worked, so that others can leverage that for their own algorithmic design courses.
keywords	NetLogo; Digital Design; Bricks; Education
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	caadria2020_165
id	caadria2020_165
authors	Lorenz, Wolfgang E. and Wurzer, Gabriel
year	2020
title	FLÃ„VIZ in the rezoning process - A Web Application to visualize alternatives of land-use planning
source	D. Holzer, W. Nakapan, A. Globa, I. Koh (eds.), RE: Anthropocene, Design in the Age of Humans - Proceedings of the 25th CAADRIA Conference - Volume 1, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, 5-6 August 2020, pp. 813-822
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2020.1.813
summary	The rezoning process primarily deals with proposed changes on land-use and zoning plans. More and more often, the public is asked for its opinion and feedback. However, there are two main obstacles in today's practice: On the one hand land-use and zoning plans, in general, only define the potential of areas and so do proposed draft plans; they usually say nothing about the implementation of land-use in the built space. On the other hand, the untrained majority can hardly grasp the current form of representation as two dimensional plans with accompanying written information. In order to enable a wider public participation (and understanding), the authors present FLÃ„VIZ, a 3D visualization of potentials on land-use and zoning plans.
keywords	Alternative land-use and Zoning plans; Three JS; Visual Representation
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	ecaade2021_046
id	ecaade2021_046
authors	Lorenz, Wolfgang E., Faller, Arnold and Wurzer, Gabriel
year	2021
title	DAttE - Detection of Attic Extensions - Workflow to analyze the potentials of roofs in an urban environment
source	Stojakovic, V and Tepavcevic, B (eds.), Towards a new, configurable architecture - Proceedings of the 39th eCAADe Conference - Volume 1, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia, 8-10 September 2021, pp. 375-384
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2021.1.375
summary	European cities like Vienna are characterized by strong growth and, as a result, by high demand for living space. Extending the attic is one way of meeting this demand. However, there is a lack of data to know which roofs are already expanded and to what extent. The city is interested in the data in two ways: firstly, in relation to the distribution of potentials (a possible change in population density, for example, has an impact on infrastructure and parking space) and, secondly, in relation to the material composition (city as a material resource). This paper provides a workflow to fill this gap of knowledge. The new methods of detecting attic extensions are described and a case study is given at the end to show workability.
keywords	point clouds; thermal detection; drone detection; participation
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	ecaade2009_026
id	ecaade2009_026
authors	Lorenz, Wolfgang E.
year	2009
title	Fractal Geometry of Architecture: Implementation of the Box-Counting Method in a CAD-Software
source	Computation: The New Realm of Architectural Design [27th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 978-0-9541183-8-9] Istanbul (Turkey) 16-19 September 2009, pp. 697-704
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2009.697
wos	WOS:000334282200084
summary	The author describes the basic principles for measuring architecture from the point of view of Fractal Geometry outlining the principle connections between Fractal Geometry and architecture, giving some examples and explaining the Box-Counting Method, which is an easily manageable method that can be applied to elevations. The paper not only deals with problems arising from using the Box-Counting Method but also with its relation to visual perception. It shows how the Box-Counting Dimension DB of façades can be measured with the help of a software program that was written by the author and has been implemented into AutoCAD. Finally, results of different configurations are given for the Koch curve and Robie House by Frank Lloyd Wright, showing the accuracy of this measurement method.
keywords	Fractal architecture, box-counting dimensions of façades, visual perception, implementation in a CAD-software
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	ecaade2013_013
id	ecaade2013_013
authors	Lorenz, Wolfgang E.
year	2013
title	Combining Complexity and Harmony by the Box-Counting Method
source	Stouffs, Rudi and Sariyildiz, Sevil (eds.), Computation and Performance – Proceedings of the 31st eCAADe Conference – Volume 2, Faculty of Architecture, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands, 18-20 September 2013, pp. 667-676
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2013.2.667
wos	WOS:000340643600069
summary	When Benoît Mandelbrot raised the question about the length of Britain’s coastline in 1967, this was a major step towards formulating the theory of fractals, which also led to a new understanding of irregularity in nature. Since then it has become obvious that fractal geometry is more appropriate for describing complex forms than traditional Euclidean geometry (not only with regard to natural systems but also in architecture). This paper provides another view on architectural composition, following the utilization of fractal analysis. The procedure concerning the exploration of a façade design is demonstrated step by step on the Roman temple front of the Pantheon by Appolodorus and its re-interpretation – in the particular case the entrance front of Il Redentore, a Renaissance church by Palladio. Their level of complexity and range of scales that offer coherence are visualized by the specific measurement method of box-counting.
keywords	Fractal analysis; box-counting method; Pantheon; Il Redentore; Palladio.
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	acadia10_16
id	acadia10_16
authors	Lorenzo-Eiroa, Pablo
year	2010
title	In:forming a Critical Digital Architecture Autonomy into Life
source	ACADIA 10: LIFE in:formation, On Responsive Information and Variations in Architecture [Proceedings of the 30th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA) ISBN 978-1-4507-3471-4] New York 21-24 October, 2010), pp. 16-23
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2010.016
summary	Referential structures in digital representation and those structures that have established contemporary canons have been progressively negated. As a result of this tendency, post-structuralism, as a pendulous reactionary force against structuralism, broke away from deconstruction’s conceptual premise: to produce a full decomposition of any assumed disciplinary fundamentals. Therefore, rather than focusing on a syntax based on structural logics, current digital architecture tendencies hide deep conceptual structures in favor of superficial perceptual structures, relying on the media-based spectacular semiotic effect of the visual that has exhausted its capacity to be critical.
series	ACADIA
type	Forewords
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	caadria2009_278
id	caadria2009_278
authors	Lostritto, Carl
year	2009
title	Scripting Animation
source	Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / Yunlin (Taiwan) 22-25 April 2009, pp. 747-754
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2009.747
summary	Relationships are amplified and collapsed together as animate surfaces in the formal and spatial manifestation of design parameters. Animation is demonstrated as a medium to express topologies, as each frame is the resultant of a programmed serious of computations, the result of which varies with a parameter: effectively, time. Related conditions are parameterized through the design of algorithms as a means of direct translation into animation. Interrelated forces and limits can conversely congeal into statics with animate qualities. Process and product merge to create a language of phenomenological effects and patterns. While animation is exploited to represent parametric relationships there is a maintained awareness of time and space. The systemization and codification of design “problems” simultaneously facilitates functional, solution-driven architecture. The output is characterized by complex, performative, and specific solutions uniquely relevant to emerging models for fabrication and construction. Usage requirements and site conditions carry the weight of information-based contexts and experience-based symbols as fuel for the inherently cyclical process.
keywords	algorithm: animation; scripting; computation; aesthetics
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	ascaad2009_carl_lostritto
id	ascaad2009_carl_lostritto
authors	Lostritto, Carl R.
year	2009
title	Teaching Systems-Thinking with Algorithmic Process: Introduction to computation and programming with processing programming language
source	Digitizing Architecture: Formalization and Content [4th International Conference Proceedings of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2009) / ISBN 978-99901-06-77-0], Manama (Kingdom of Bahrain), 11-12 May 2009, pp. 37-46
summary	This research investigates how algorithm design and scripting as pedagogy can affect generalized design ability and understanding. Logical, systematic thinking is considered foundational in developing architectural design aptitude and is explicit when designing algorithms. The course work presented mandates the construction of process rather than product. Scripting is implemented not as a means to an end but rather a medium for exploration. More valuable than formal generator or problem-solver, these scripted designs test direct aesthetic implications. Further tested is the role of animation in de-linearizing the design process. By isolating the algorithm as topic, technique, and concept, scripting skills and the produced artifact are extendable and are translatable to other media. Algorithm design is presented as a 2-dimensional but temporal endeavor: students script an animate, interactive vector-based image. This facilitates the transition from algorithm to spatial experience while also readying students for form-based explorations. The 2-d temporal exercise is of a similar order of complexity to a 3-dimensional static condition. Pieces of the animation structure are provided as a canvas, specifically the ability of the viewer to manually control a single parametric variable that affects the visual output through a user-interface element. The following and final project of the course expands upon the technique of scripting image in the design of an experience by collaging video, images and animation.
series	ASCAAD
email
last changed	2009/06/30 08:12

_id	ascaad2010_135
id	ascaad2010_135
authors	Lostritto, Carl
year	2010
title	Computation Without Computers
source	CAAD - Cities - Sustainability [5th International Conference Proceedings of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2010 / ISBN 978-1-907349-02-7], Fez (Morocco), 19-21 October 2010, pp. 135-144
summary	This work documents the implications of using physical media to teach digital design concepts, techniques, values and approaches. With the pedagogy and work of a seminar and studio across two Universities as test cases, this research seeks to prove that a parametric and algorithmic approach to architecture is most fruitfully understood as the connection between logic, mathematics and aesthetics. Students trace the indirect relationships between process and product so as to enable the application of these connections in a non-linear, exploratory and goal-flexible design process. The first phase of student work involves the creation of an image, constructed with ink or graphite on paper, that embodies a parametric aesthetic. Students are tasked articulating and performing operations, such as dividing a curve, packing shapes, and conditional transformations. Subsequently, students fabricate a surface-conscious model with modules that have the capacity to vary based on their grid parameter, using historically rooted techniques such as weaving, perforating, layering and tessellation. Digital fabrication and parametric modeling is then introduced, not as a means to a predefined end, but as another medium, capable of participating with manual techniques. As an example, a fabricated paper-based installation is generated with parametrically generating a cut-sheet, partially blind to its assembled manifestation. The hypothesis of this research is tested in more comprehensive projects that follow as environmental forces are resolved through dynamic and ambiguous visual and spatial conditions.
series	ASCAAD
email
last changed	2011/03/01 07:36

_id	5c95
authors	Lou, C.W., Kaga, A. and Sasada, T.
year	2002
title	Environmental Design with Huge Landscape in Real-Time Simulation System: Real-time Simulation System to Real Project
source	CAADRIA 2002 [Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / ISBN 983-2473-42-X] Cyberjaya (Malaysia) 18–20 April 2002, pp. 265-272
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2002.265
summary	This paper is the culmination of a period of studying and participating in certain real project on environmental design with realtime simulation system application. The focus of this paper is on understanding that a generally real-time simulation system, can render a complex scene that consisted by a huge landscape model with millions polygons and building models with thousands details. It is also more than just a collection of unorganized techniques. This paper must dual with issues of scene elements management as a front end that efficiently provide the ability to process complex and moving objects in a physically realistic way. We establish a platform providing good support for the environmental designers.
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	ddssup9614
id	ddssup9614
authors	Loughreit, Fouad
year	1996
title	Methods to assist the design of road surfaces with a reservoir structure: To improve flood risk management
source	Timmermans, Harry (Ed.), Third Design and Decision Support Systems in Architecture and Urban Planning - Part two: Urban Planning Proceedings (Spa, Belgium), August 18-21, 1996
summary	Reservoir road surfaces can be seen as equipment of the future, in that they have two functions in the same structure (circulation and hydraulic functions). They can thus be laid without immobilising land, which is very expensive and prized in urban areas. Furthermore, they enable the limitation of the flow or volumes of running water, and thus help control rainwater, resulting in better flood risk management. The questions asked by drainage designers are how can we design these structures in the best way? How are they going to work for different types of rain (rain from storms, prolonged winter rain ....)? As for the public administrators, they wonder how a series of areas equipped with this type of technique (total flow management) would work. By solving this latter problem, we could really arouse interest in flood risk management. Given the diversity of structures possible for reservoir road surfaces (regulated, non-regulated, draining surface, dispersion surface...), we suggest comparing design and simulation methods, taking into account the measurement and total flow management problems mentioned above. So as to validate these comparisons and to give some directions concerning the use of one or the other methods, we use flow-metre measures on two different sites in Lyons. One of these sites is a car- park on a tertiary activity zone on the La Doua campus in Villeurbanne, the other a refuse dump in the Greater Lyons area in the town of Craponne. They are both interesting as they have different features. The first is non-regulated downstream and is used on a car-park for light motor-vehicles. The other is regulated and the traffic on it is made up of lorries. These sites will be described in this article.
series	DDSS
email
last changed	2003/08/07 16:36

_id	sigradi2018_1268
id	sigradi2018_1268
authors	Louise Jenney, Sarah; Mühlhaus, Michael; Petzold, Frank
year	2018
title	Connect, Motivate, Communicate: A Foundation for Gamification in Planning Communication
source	SIGraDi 2018 [Proceedings of the 22nd Conference of the Iberoamerican Society of Digital Graphics - ISSN: 2318-6968] Brazil, São Carlos 7 - 9 November 2018, pp. 1105-1111
summary	Planning in the urban context is always a complex task in which the diverse interests of different stakeholders have to be weighed up against each other. For this to happen, communication is the key leading to successful and sustainable solutions. Often objective factors like the number and diversity of participating stakeholders is the benchmark for successful planning processes. We examine the motivational factors of the different main stakeholder groups and give an insight in the complex system of motivational and hindering factors that need to be considered when designing engaging sensible and sustainable exchange of knowledge and interests.
keywords	Motivation; Gamification; Communication; Participation; Collaboration
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2021/03/28 19:58

_id	acadia04_176
id	acadia04_176
authors	Loukissas, Yanni and Sass, Lawrence
year	2004
title	RULEBUILDING (3D PRINTING: OPERATORS, CONSTRAINTS, SCRIPTS)
source	Fabrication: Examining the Digital Practice of Architecture [Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture and the 2004 Conference of the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community / ISBN 0-9696665-2-7] Cambridge (Ontario) 8-14 November, 2004, 176-185
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2004.176
summary	3-D printers alter the speed, cost, complexity, and consistency with which physical architecture models can be crafted. If architects are to harness the unique abilities of this modeling process, it is necessary to find a complementary means of conceptualizing designs and generating the geometric data necessary for 3-D printing. This paper introduces a novel combination of 3-D printing and scripting through three examples of architectural surface models. In these examples, VBScript is used to write generative scripts for execution within the Rhinoceros modeling environment. The scripts produce digital geometric models which, in turn, are exported to a Z-Corp 3-D printer. The merits of this methodology are demonstrated, in one example, through models of an architectural surface composed of light-modulating conical components. The design intent in this example is a grid of responsive components which ride on a complex curved surface and steer toward a light. The written script is an explicit representation of this intention. Methods in the script use external parameters to generate a digital geometric model. The form of the subsequent printed model is calculated as a function of the initial parameters, two boundary splines and a vector indicating the orientation of the light. By varying these parameters, a set of design options can be generated and 3-D printed for comparison. The combination of scripting and 3-D printing allows complex design intentions to be managed in a concise, sharable format and modeled iteratively without manual intervention.
keywords	Generative, Scripting, Rapid Prototyping, 3-D Printing, Architectural Design
series	ACADIA
type	normal paper
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	cdc2008_243
id	cdc2008_243
authors	Loukissas, Yanni
year	2008
title	Keepers of the Geometry: Architects in a Culture of Simulation
source	First International Conference on Critical Digital: What Matters(s)? - 18-19 April 2008, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge (USA), pp. 243-244
summary	“Why do we have to change? We’ve been building buildings for years without CATIA?” Roger Norfleet, a practicing architect in his thirties poses this question to Tim Quix, a generation older and an expert in CATIA, a computer-aided design tool developed by Dassault Systemes in the early 1980’s for use by aerospace engineers. It is 2005 and CATIA has just come into use at Paul Morris Associates, the thirty-person architecture firm where Norfleet works; he is struggling with what it will mean for him, for his firm, for his profession. Computer-aided design is about creativity, but also about jurisdiction, about who controls the design process. In Architecture: The Story of Practice, Architectural theorist Dana Cuff writes that each generation of architects is educated to understand what constitutes a creative act and who in the system of their profession is empowered to use it and at what time. Creativity is socially constructed and Norfleet is coming of age as an architect in a time of technological but also social transition. He must come to terms with the increasingly complex computeraided design tools that have changed both creativity and the rules by which it can operate. In today’s practices, architects use computer-aided design software to produce threedimensional geometric models. Sometimes they use off-the-shelf commercial software like CATIA, sometimes they customize this software through plug-ins and macros, sometimes they work with software that they have themselves programmed. And yet, conforming to Larson’s ideas that they claim the higher ground by identifying with art and not with science, contemporary architects do not often use the term “simulation.” Rather, they have held onto traditional terms such as “modeling” to describe the buzz of new activity with digital technology. But whether or not they use the term, simulation is creating new architectural identities and transforming relationships among a range of design collaborators: masters and apprentices, students and teachers, technical experts and virtuoso programmers. These days, constructing an identity as an architect requires that one define oneself in relation to simulation. Case studies, primarily from two architectural firms, illustrate the transformation of traditional relationships, in particular that of master and apprentice, and the emergence of new roles, including a new professional identity, “keeper of the geometry,” defined by the fusion of person and machine. Like any profession, architecture may be seen as a system in flux. However, with their new roles and relationships, architects are learning that the fight for professional jurisdiction is increasingly for jurisdiction over simulation. Computer-aided design is changing professional patterns of production in architecture, the very way in which professionals compete with each other by making new claims to knowledge. Even today, employees at Paul Morris squabble about the role that simulation software should play in the office. Among other things, they fight about the role it should play in promotion and firm hierarchy. They bicker about the selection of new simulation software, knowing that choosing software implies greater power for those who are expert in it. Architects and their collaborators are in a continual struggle to define the creative roles that can bring them professional acceptance and greater control over design. New technologies for computer-aided design do not change this reality, they become players in it.
email
last changed	2009/01/07 08:05

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