Integrating Digital and Manual Modes of Design

A Computational Design Framework

Abstract

This study describes a teaching experience that aims to combine application-oriented approaches to computational design pedagogy. In the scope of this study, a hybrid framework is presented, which allows students to transition from manual to digital modes of design. In this transition, parametric thinking and design are selected as a mediator. This hybrid framework is being tested in an elective course of an international master's program in interior design. Columns are selected as the architectural elements for parametric design and experimental production. An "exhibition" is chosen to complete the design, production and assembly tasks. Preliminary exercises and three main assignments guide the process. The three assignments are organized as follows: parametric design and modeling of a single column (Assignment 1-Digital), parametric design and modeling of a family of columns (Assignment 2-Digital), the materialization of an individual column and a family of columns using 3D printers (Assignment 1 and 2-Digital+Manual), and designing the exhibition for displaying columns (Assignment 3-Digital+Manual), producing and setting up the exhibition (Assignment 3-Manual). The experiment with a hybrid framework shows that parametric design (digital) modes that students were unfamiliar with were integrated into the process of developing parametric columns, while exhibiting designed products using their existing skill sets (manual modes). The participants' inability to fully illustrate their technical knowledge of parametric design and digital fabrication in a single course, and the lack of tools and materials to facilitate 1:1 scale digital fabrication have emerged as the major limitations of the teaching experience.