Computational Learning Environment and Design in Architecture
Author: Dr. Ali Chougui
Abstract: The computer is more than an instrument, it has become the privileged place where architectural design takes shape. Considering that students are called upon to work mainly in a computational environment and most often in collaboration, several questions challenge us and encourage us to think about new approaches and new means likely to support the process of creation and sharing of knowledge and ideas. The dynamism of the process of exploration in architecture constitutes the starting point of our research which aims at stimulating the exploration process in architectural design through design and creation of a computational environment centered on a library of referents. In this paper, we try in particular to understand the characteristics of the design environment in architecture, therefore with regard to the description and references of the library in the design dynamics. The representation of the referents is seen as a combination of descriptions in a different format. Offered to students, it allows for new interpretations, for interaction with their content, and finally, for the integration of knowledge during the process of architectural exploration.