Programming for Architects

I have slowly come to the realize, especially this year, that my lack of knowledge about how software works puts seriously limitations on what I am able to create. Architecture is becoming increasingly reliant on computers. While it does open up a tremendous range of opportunities for design, it also warps ones ability to design because of limitations on skill and understanding of the software itself.

Frustrations with design software happens frequently and often inexplicably. I find anger building while sitting in front of an inanimate screen, forming a hatred so deep that a thousand digital deaths would not quell wildfire that burns in my irises. Yet, I have no one to be angry at but myself. AutoCAD does not begin the day with the sole purpose of destroying my fleeting happiness with life, it hums to life (frustratingly slow of course) and opens itself to record and aid in my design goals. For AutoCAD does not think, it just does, and anything that goes "wrong" is probably entirely my own fault.

So why have I decided that life cannot go on without learning the computer's perspective? Simple answer is that I have a lot of free time on my hands. Free time, once a luxury seen between the end of studio Friday and dragging my hungover face in on Sunday afternoon, has become abundant. Between sessions of Teamfortress and DOTA (neither of which are very helpful to increasing my worth to the world) I've somewhat disciplined myself to learn in small spurts that hopefully over the course of this year yields some results.

The long answer is that I don't want to be limited by what I know how to do.  Scripting and parametrics are something I've always wanted to do, not because it is cool and I can change how many louvres there are with a number slider, but because it opens up the possibility of layering increasingly complex elements into my design. The learning curve has been tremendous because of my lack of knowledge of post algebra math and basic computer logic. Now having the unrestrained free time to push over the barrier, I've realized that it is not as simple as watching tutorials and getting it. It seems to require a reset in my frame of mind and an unfamiliar approach to problem solving. I could easily spend another four years of my life in school to achieve the level of mastery required. So what I'm left with is trying to break the surface of a vast ocean of knowledge that is completely overwhelming.

Well, here's to hoping for breakthroughs.

Mind Blowing Game Changer - The Canon Mixed Reality System

via Cannon.com

Virtual reality systems have been around for quite a few years, but Canon's Mixed Reality (MR) system takes it to a whole new level. Targeted at industrial design, the MR system allows users to view and interact with computer generated models in life scale 3D. While the demo (found here) only shows people awkwardly interacting with car parts using what looks like a plastic spider, the implications of what this tool means for architectural design is pretty incredible.

Architectural design has always been tied down to an imagined reality, where a constant awareness of scalar differences is key to interpreting what is drawn. Drawings, models, renderings all show a perceived reality that one can only grasp through imagination. The full scale implications of building can only be fully appreciated after completion. Representation is important because it assists in bridging that gap. 3D computer modeling has become integral not only as the nexus from which other representative forms are generated, but more importantly as a versatile tool to quickly preview our every design whim. With it, architecture has become quicker, bigger, and more complex.

MR technology is the first step in what I believe to be the next leap in architecture design. As processors continue to evolve in line with Moore's law, it won't be long until visualization becomes less an issue of computing power, but more about what operating framework from which design occurs. MR presents the opportunity to immerse ourselves in our visions, to look at designs through lenses previously unavailable. It allows for incredible scalar transitions. Imagine looking at an animated master plan hundreds of blocks in area on your meeting room table, playing around with buildings and roads like lego blocks. Then transitioning to standing in a room within that plan, looking out your window as CG cars stream by below, making sure your vision remains intact at all scales.

It can also be used to playout some Godzilla fantasies, if that's more up your alley.