Computational design means using computers to aid in the design process.
Instead of relying solely on hand drawings or traditional methods, you’re using computer programs and algorithms to explore design possibilities. This approach allows you to solve complex problems and find new solutions more efficiently.
With computational design, you can test many design options quickly and see how different choices affect the final product, whether it’s a building, a bridge, or a production process.
The computer handles some repetitive tasks, which frees up your time for more creative problem-solving. This approach helps analyse the effects of changes on the design and helps manage complexity.
For those in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), computational design is changing how projects are handled. It can help make designs more effective, sustainable, and even innovative.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how it works and how it can be a practical tool for your career.
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ToggleWhat is Computational Design?
We’ve introduced the basic concept, but let’s dive a bit deeper.
Computational design is more than just using computers to create drawings. It’s about using them to reason through design challenges.
This involves building systems, often through code or visual programming, that can automatically produce, assess, and refine designs. Think of it as setting up a framework of rules and then allowing the computer to explore design options within that framework.
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This approach can lead to designs that are difficult to achieve with traditional methods, and it can also reveal hidden efficiencies and solutions. The focus changes from creating a single static design to creating a dynamic process.
It’s different from CAD. While CAD software like AutoCAD digitises the traditional drawing process, computational design focuses on defining the logic behind the design itself.
Let’s use designing a building facade as an example.
In CAD software, a designer can do is just draw each panel separately and make adjustments manually.
However, using computational design, the designer could create an algorithm that would specify how the facade should appear.
This algorithm would define how the panels change shape based on sun exposure and desired shading levels. The computer then generates various panel designs to suit each point on the building.
This shows the key difference: CAD is direct drawing, while computational design defines a design system.
Instead of manually creating one facade, a designer establishes parameters for the computer. The computer then generates many possibilities, allowing for faster analysis and optimisation.
This process allows for the quick exploration of many design options.
How Does Computational Design Work?
Computational design operates using algorithms. An algorithm is just a set of instructions that a computer follows.
In design, you specify what you want to achieve, the rules it must follow, and any limitations.
The computer then uses the algorithm to create various design possibilities based on your specifications. These possibilities can be evaluated using metrics like cost, material needs, or structural strength.
This means you require some level of programming skill, as setting up these rules and algorithms often requires it.
While some computational design tools offer visual programming interfaces that simplify the process, understanding basic programming logic can still be very beneficial, and in many cases crucial, to using computational design effectively.
This may involve learning to write code or utilise visual scripting tools that allow for the creation of complex design rules.
Examples of Computational Design in Practice
For those of you who have been working in AEC for a while, you’ve likely encountered computational design in practice, even if you didn’t call it that.
Methods such as parametric design are examples of computational design. In parametric design, you define relationships between design elements using parameters.
Then, changing these parameters will update the design automatically. This automated relationship is basically computational design concepts.
Similarly, algorithmic design is also a part of computational design.
Algorithmic design uses step-by-step procedures to create designs. These procedures are defined using code or visual programming. This structured, rule-based approach aligns with the core principles of computational design.
Generative design builds on these concepts.
It automatically creates multiple design options based on your goals. The computer explores different solutions, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities, which is central to the process of computational design.
You might also have seen form finding used.
In form finding, the design is driven by structural behaviour. The computer helps determine the most efficient shape for a structure. This process of using computational power to find optimal forms is a clear example of computational design.
Lastly, there is performative design.
This method optimises solutions based on specific performance criteria. The computer evaluates different designs based on their performance. This data-driven approach for optimising a design’s performance is one of the key benefits of computational design.
What are the Benefits of Computational Design?
So, why should you, as an AEC professional, consider integrating computational design into your workflow? The advantages are not just theoretical they offer real, practical improvements to your projects and processes.
Here’s a breakdown of how computational design can make a tangible difference:
- Faster Design Process: The ability to explore many design variations simultaneously significantly speeds up project completion times.
- Optimized Designs: Computers analyze design performance based on specific criteria like structural strength and energy efficiency, leading to better-informed decisions.
- Handles Complex Tasks: Professionals can tackle complex geometry and repetitive tasks using computers enabling projects that would otherwise be impossible.
- Improved Collaboration: Clear parameters and data-driven designs enhance collaboration between different teams.
- Innovative Solutions: Computational design can lead to more creative solutions because the computer is not limited by traditional thought processes.
These benefits ultimately translate to more efficient, sustainable, and uniquely innovative projects, positioning you at the forefront of the AEC industry.
What Tools Are Used for Computational Design?
There are several software tools used for computational design, each with its strengths. Here are a few common examples used in the AEC industry:
Rhino + Grasshopper
Rhino is a 3D modelling software often used for its flexibility in creating complex shapes. Grasshopper, which works inside Rhino, is a visual programming environment.
Instead of writing code, you drag and drop components and connect them with wires to create design workflows. This makes it easier for users to get started with algorithmic design without having coding experience. It is popular in the architectural space for parametric design and form finding.
How Rhino + Grasshopper Helps Computational Design:
- Enables graphical algorithm definition, allowing users to create complex parametric relationships visually.
- Facilitates explicit parametric modelling using data-driven design principles and geometric manipulation.
- Supports interactive form-finding through dynamic geometry manipulation and real-time feedback of design performance.
Dynamo for Revit
Dynamo is a similar visual programming tool that integrates with Revit, a widely used BIM (Building Information Modeling) software.
It allows users to automate repetitive tasks in Revit, extract data, and create complex parametric designs directly within the BIM environment. It is widely used in the AEC industry for automating BIM workflows and is particularly useful for engineers working with data-driven projects.
How Dynamo for Revit Helps Computational Design:
- Automates BIM data processing, including geometry and attribute modifications, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Enables rule-based model generation and manipulation via visual programming logic, useful for complex data modelling.
- Allows for parametric model control within Revit, integrating design logic and BIM data directly.
Python Scripting
Python is a widely used text-based programming language that provides great flexibility for customised solutions.
It can be used directly within many design software or through an API (Application Programming Interface). It’s popular among users who want more flexibility and control over their design algorithms, and it is also used for data manipulation and integration with various tools and systems. Python provides more options for advanced users but has a steeper learning curve than the visual programming alternatives.
How Python Scripting Helps Computational Design:
- Offers direct access to API functionalities, enabling custom algorithms for specific design tasks.
- Provides advanced data manipulation and analysis capabilities, allowing the integration of different datasets.
- Supports the development of complex numerical models for simulation and optimisation, often used for performance-driven design.
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How Can I Start Learning Computational Design?
Starting with computational design is achievable, and it begins with a few focused steps.
First, identify your goals. What do you want to accomplish with computational design? Understanding your objectives is crucial because this will guide you in selecting the most appropriate software to learn.
Next, select your tool. If you’re an architect drawn to complex forms, then beginning with Rhino and Grasshopper is a great starting point.
Alternatively, if you’re an engineer working with BIM, consider starting with Dynamo for Revit. For those seeking maximum flexibility and control over their design processes, focusing on Python is a wise move. Importantly, you don’t need to learn everything at once; start with the tool most relevant to your current work.
Then, start learning. Once you have chosen your software, there are many free online resources to get you going.
These include courses, tutorials, and workshops designed to introduce you to the basics. It’s beneficial to look for resources specifically tailored to the AEC industry, ensuring the information is relevant to your projects.
Another valuable option is to explore certified IT online courses, which often provide structured programs with assessments and certifications, offering a more formal learning experience.
Next, it’s important to get hands-on practice.
Don’t just passively observe tutorials, actively try the examples yourself. Look for free trials of the software, and dedicate time to experiment with the tools and create small projects.
This hands-on experience is crucial to really understand how these tools work and begin applying them in your own designs.
Finally, join a community.
Engage with others online to share your work, ask questions, and receive feedback. Learning from the experiences and insights of others can be incredibly valuable and provides a support system as you learn.
Start Learning Computational Design
Computational design is becoming increasingly essential for AEC professionals who want to create innovative, efficient, and sustainable designs. To stay competitive, work effectively, and advance your career, it’s important to embrace these new digital methods.
But where can you begin this journey?
Interscale Education provides certified IT online courses designed to help AEC professionals like you gain the skills needed to effectively use these tools and techniques.
Here’s what you gain from our online courses:
- Extensive Course Library: Access a wide range of over 100 certified courses, including tools for computational design like Rhino, Dynamo for Revit, and Python Scripting.
- Practical, Real-World Lessons: Learn through video lessons that demonstrate real-world applications of computational design tools and techniques in actual AEC projects.
- Expert Instructors: Benefit from experienced instructors with a wealth of knowledge, bringing over 60 years of combined experience in both IT and construction to their teaching.
- Flexible Learning Options: Watch over 60,000 minutes of video content whenever it suits you and learn at your own pace.
- Industry-Recognised Certification: Earn certifications that are recognised within the industry, backed by our status as an Autodesk Gold Partner.
Interscale Education’s certified IT online courses give you the practical, technical skills you need to explore design possibilities, improve efficiency, and create innovative solutions. These skills will make you more valuable in the job market and help you lead the way in this fast-paced industry.
Start learning with a certified IT online course from Interscale—sign up today!