Topic 3: A Universe of Discourse: Keywords

"Fundamental to computational design is the understanding of how systems, as form and as mathematical ordering constructs, operate”[1]. A designer is challenged with providing an optimum solution given a number of constraints or parameters. In each environment there are always finite resources. Also, present, will be constraints which could be physical, social or cultural or as a result of technological limitations. A dynamic design style which adapts to the environment within which it operates can be used to aid in the management of constraints and resources to achieve a similar optimal outcome. This is computational design. Parameters or limitations placed on a designer may be interpreted in different ways. Raymond says “some of the variable words, say lunch and supper and dinner, maybe highlighted but the differences are not particularly important”[2]. Society looks at a particular situation and forms numerous opinions or judgements. This variation in interpretation leads to different solutions which may be mutually exclusive. A set process may be used to deal with these parameters which could be derived from historical trends or conventions. This could be the form, performance being the result with the designer looking at parametricism within the tectonics of the project concern.

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r e f e r e n c e s

• [1] Menges, Achim, “Introduction,”Computational  Design Thinking (2011): 10-29.

• [2] Williams, Raymond, “Introduction,” Keywords: a Vocabulary of Culture and Society (1976/1983): 11-26.