Four Fundamental Shifts

Design computing in architecture is evolved enough to form a more spread out advance, instead of being an alternative way of thinking and practising. Contemporary architectural practice is beginning to push forward such a transformation. This also effects architectural education, that is beginning to focus on digital design paradigm especially at undergraduate level not only in experimental studios, but also in formal education. Design studios however, play an important role on this transformation. Experimental studios on “computerized” architectural design are beginning to transform into a pedagogically more established studios with clear aims, explicit methods and practical outputs.

The new paradigm however, can be analyzed within various contexts. Some researchers analyse it by categorizing computational design methods such as Topological, Isomorphic, Animate, Metamorphic, Parametric, Evolutionary etc. (Kolarevic, 2000). This classification is very useful in describing the state-of-the-art on Digital Design Paradigm. Thus, a work on revealing the possibilities and potentials regarding the future of Digital Design, another approach of classification is required such as Oxman’s (2008) categorization of the digital transformations on media, the knowledge base and design process. This paper will focus on a similar classification that describes the fundamental transformations in architecture that is caused by digital technologies and computational thinking in general. Therefore, Digital Architectural Design is supposed to be based on four fundamental transformations. They are on;

1. Design domains

2. Processes of designing

3. Approaches to design artifact

4. Design abilities

Analyzing these transformations regarding the impact of digital technologies and computational thinking can be considered as main characteristics of the contemporary Digital Paradigm in architecture.