Space Stations, Computers and Architectural Design (1987)
article⁄Space Stations, Computers and Architectural Design (1987)
abstract⁄In the winter semester of 1987, I had the opportunity to work with a group of aerospace engineering students on the design of an artificialgravity rotating space habitat. This was an interesting project in its own right, but of particular relevance to ACADIA was the role of the computer in the design process. Because of its unusual nature, this project forced me to reconsider several issues. This paper addresses the following The computer as a medium for communication. The need for special tools for special tasks. The pros and cons of computer models vs. cardboard models. The designer’s reliance on technology and technocrats. The role of the guru. Since it was the experience with the space habitat design project that raised these issues, the discussion starts there. The paper then looks for similar experiences in other, more ’typical’ studio projects. The conclusions are personal opinions about software design, computer literacy, and the teaching of CAD skills to nonprogrammers.
