Making Models Architectural: Protean Representations to Fit Architects' Minds (1998)

abstract⁄A rich vocabulary has evolved for describing architecture.It serves not only as a means of communication, but also as anembodiment of concepts relating to form, space, structure, function, mood, and symbolism. We architects not only speak interms of walls, rooms, roofs, arches, etc., we see in terms of themand think in terms of them, as well. Such concepts are integral toour ability to design. Typical CAD representations, however, arebased on geometricmathematical elements like points, lines,planes, and symbols. Even more experimental approaches likeparametric shapes or procedural assemblies correspond poorlyto architectural elements, and seldom lend themselves well tomaking conceptual changes that would allow exploration of design alternatives. Small wonder some architecture schools experience a division between computer and studio courses, or evenbetween computer and studio faculty. Different ways of talkingand thinking are involved. The concepts involved are often mutually exclusive.This paper discusses an attempt to address this conceptualmismatch, using what are termed ‘protean’ meaning ‘very changeable’ elements. These are highlevel elements corresponding toarchitectural concepts like ‘wall,’ or ‘dome.’ They each haveparameters appropriate for the particular type of element theyrepresent, and produce the polyhedra necessary for graphicsbased on these parameters. A system is being implemented toallow models to be constructed using these elements. The protean elements form a loosely structured model, in which someelements hierarchically contain others, and some elements areessentially freestanding, being created and manipulated independently of other elements. Characteristics of protean elementare discussed, including the underlying objectoriented structure,the relationship between elements and graphics, and functionsassociated with the objects. A scheme is explained whereby allparts of a design can be represented even when the designincludes extremely unusual forms not conforming to predictableclasses of elements. The necessary support framework is alsodiscussed general flow of the system and mechanisms for viewing the model and editing subcomponents are explained.The current status of the project, and intentions for futurework are discussed. The project has been partially implemented,and the necessary framework to support the system is mostly complete.