Survey on Computational Thinking in Architectural Design

This survey aims to investigate the perspectives and experiences of professionals in architectural design regarding the integration of computational thinking in design processes. Please select the appropriate answers for each question and provide clarifications in the open-ended questions when necessary.

What is your role in the field of architecture?

How many years of experience do you have in architectural design?

How do you define computational thinking in the context of architecture?

  1. computational thinking in the context of architecture can be defined as follows: it is a systematic approach to solving architectural problems through modeling, analyzing, and designing architectural systems using concepts and methods derived from computer science, such as abstraction, algorithms, iteration, and logical thinking. clarification of the concept: in architecture, computational thinking does not merely refer to the use of software, but rather a way of thinking and organizing information and design processes, helping architects deal with complexity, analyze variables, and design solutions that are more effective and responsive to the environment and users. examples of applying computational thinking in architecture: abstraction: decomposing complex architectural elements into simple components: such as separating the ventilation system, lighting, structure, human use, etc. developing digital models that represent the fundamental characteristics of the building. algorithms: designing logical steps to generate geometric shapes or distribute functions inside the building. using programs like grasshopper to formulate "design algorithms." modeling and simulation: simulating lighting, heat, air flow, and user movement. evaluating design performance before implementation. iteration and modification: testing a wide range of design possibilities through automatic repetition (parametric design). improving the design through successive cycles of experimentation and refinement. data-driven design: using real data (environmental, behavioral, economic) to inform design decisions. in summary, computational thinking does not mean that an architect should become a programmer, but rather think in a systematic and organized manner that allows them to use computing tools intelligently to develop design solutions that are more efficient, innovative, and adaptable to the complexities of modern architecture. would you like me to prepare this definition as a scientific paragraph for use in your research or presentation?
  2. a science that works to facilitate the access to well-studied ideas from various environmental, health, kinetic, and other aspects before starting to implement them in order to avoid problems in the early design stages.
  3. implementing the designer's wishes in a modern style.

How familiar are you with the principles of computational thinking (such as: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design)?

How often do you apply computational thinking techniques in your design process?

What tools or software do you use in your design work?

  1. autocad, sketchup, 3d studio, 3d civil, and others.
  2. dynamo in revit
  3. i haven't tried it yet.

To what extent do you think computational thinking enhances your ability to design complex architectural forms?

Can you provide an example of a case where computational thinking significantly affected your design process?

  1. design of a hospital
  2. it helps in making suggestions for determining the best places for furniture and identifying sight angles for a suitable view. it also allows for organizing the distribution of buildings in urban spaces and choosing parking locations more accurately. additionally, it predicts errors in mass and suggests hundreds of solutions as alternative plans, arranging the steps of work as an interconnected sequence where each step depends on the previous one, as no specific error can be ignored while completing the project.
  3. unfortunately, i don't have it, but i must learn.

What challenges do you face when integrating computational thinking into your design process?

  1. there is none.
  2. there are challenges in learning programming languages, such as python, for designing complex equations or commands.
  3. i have no idea so far.

How important do you think the obstacles are to effectively using it in architectural design?

What improvements or changes do you suggest to enhance the integration of computational thinking in architectural education and practice?

  1. there should be intensive courses for using computers and making them mandatory even in schools and universities.
  2. it must be a core subject in the years of specialization, to regulate the designs for students so that the designs are more realistic and close to 85% for implementation, not just a concept on paper. i believe that computational thinking is a solution to the challenges in the early stages of design, making the achievement faster and stronger, and closer to correctness. the idea of integrating the designer's thinking with computational thinking yields remarkable and strong results.
  3. the integration should be between academic guidance and implementation through the use of lightweight programs that do not require an expensive computer.

How do you see the evolution of the role of computational thinking in architectural design over the next decade?

  1. there will be a big leap in the world of computer design.
  2. it will be more widespread and the optimal solution to all environmental and urban challenges.
  3. the use of gel shapes.

Would you like to participate in future research or discussions on this topic?

Can you mention some projects or works that you have completed using computational thinking? Please describe the project and explain how computational thinking contributed to its development.

  1. the design of the bank building was fundamentally based on computer technology, as all project requirements—architectural, structural, and mechanical designs—were created using computers. this truly saved us a lot of time, and we enjoyed high accuracy without any design errors.
  2. i am currently working on testing the stability and balance of buildings, determining the center of mass and stiffness, in order to assess their suitability for resisting earthquakes. i aim to use grasshopper to demonstrate this, avoiding structural programs that are more accurate for these tests. however, as an architect, i will focus on programs that are closer to architecture.
  3. there is none.
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