Computers in Design Exploring Light and Time (1998)

abstract⁄Computers have helped bring architectural education to adigital crossroads. This new tool is effecting architectural education on numerous levels, from the simplest word processing ofresearch papers to more complex interactive modeling. This casestudy paper will focus on the new and changing role of the computer in the design studio. In this case, the approach to integratingthe computer into the studio revolves around its application simplyas another tool for a designer’s use. Clearly, the use of computersin design studios is not a new development. However, as thecomputer’s use in design education is not yet widespread, a dialogue about methods of application is valuable for design educators. The intent behind computer use in this case was not to replace traditional design methods but to complement and enhancethem. In this spirit, this case study focuses on the use of computersto investigate two aspects of design that are challenging to modellight and time.In the studios to be examined here, students were requiredto explore their designs with both traditional tools sketches ontrace, physical study models as well as final finish models, etc.and with newer digital tools lighting simulation programs, threedimensional modeling programs, and animation. Students workedin teams in most cases. The computer was used both as a designtool as well as a representational tool, with varying degrees ofsuccess, depending on the student’s expertise, comfort using thecomputer as a design tool and access to appropriate hardwareand software. In the first studio case study, the ’new’ medium ofthe computer was a perfect complement for the focus of the studio,entitled ‘Space and Light.’ In addition to utilizing large scalephysical models traditionally used for lighting design, threedimensional computer models using Lightscape enriched the design results. Both sets of tools were vital for the design processes of thestudio assignments. In the second studio case study, a traditionalfourth year studio was required to use the computer to explore thedimension of time in their designs, which in this case translatedinto animation modeling.Integrating the computer into the design studio promises tobe a complex task. As these examples will illustrate, the advantages and the disadvantages require continual balancing. Philosophical disagreement, potential discomfort, or a general lack ofknowledge of digital tools may inhibit design educators from testing the potential of these everchanging tools. Despite the challenges, this case study reveals the educational value of continuedexperimental use of digital tools in the design studio.