Proposing a Comprehensive Theoretical Training Framework (Concepts, Elements and Design Process) for Computational Design (Algorithmic, Parametric and Generative Design Systems)

In recent decades, computer technologies like computational design have made an impact on architectural design. They were first used for automation and form finding, later used for performance-based design and optimization. Computational design lead to the development of algorithmic, parametric, and generative design systems, which are now extensively used in architectural design education. According to previous studies, computational design education mainly focuses on the application of coding and related software, and theoretical knowledge of computational design not proposed and taught in a separate course before its use in the design studio. However, due to the complexities of computational design, an extensive training course is needed to fully understand its capabilities. Therefore, this research proposes a comprehensive theoretical training framework for computational design. To accomplish this objective in the first stage of this research, the current status of its training was examined, and deficiencies in computational design education have been identified through library resources. In the second stage, important concepts for comprehending computational design knowledge were examined, and in the third stage, with the goal of overcoming the deficiencies of the current educational program, a comprehensive theoretical training framework which includes two phases of ۱. Learning computational design principles ۲. Learning an analysis of computational design principles is proposed. The proposed program includes concepts such as definitions, types, distinctions, components and process of computational design. The findings of this study could serve as a framework for curriculum development in computational design.

Keywords:

Computational design , Education , Algorithmic design , Parametric design , Generative design.