𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 - 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁! 🧠

From early CAD software to generative AI; 𝗖𝗗 𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗗𝗲 encompasses a wide variety of computational strategies for aiding better design processes.

As a computational designer, it's imperative to nurture a deep understanding of computer science and an intuition for solving design problems with intelligent computation.

🕰️Between the late 1950s to early 2000s, CAD software revolutionized the AEC industry giving rise to the emergence of BIM and CD. Within the first decade of the 21st century, manual hand drafting had become largely obsolete for anything beyond the schematic design stages. And by 2020, many studios sought to adopt BIM and other technologies to further streamline their business operations.

Reputed architects like Zaha Hadid Architects and Frank Gehry pioneered and promoted the use of tools like Grasshopper (2007) and Autodesk Dynamo (2011) for architectural design. However, this also led to the incorrect perception that CD is only useful for the rationalization of complex curvaceous designs. While it's still not as ubiquitously in use as CAD or BIM, the benefits offered by CD at every stage of the design process and for every project scale are undeniable.

The visual programming interface of CD tools led to an increased agency with computer programming, computational geometry and machine learning. Generative design, genetic algorithms and now artificial intelligence are being used in studios to supercharge design workflows.

♾️As it continues to evolve, CD has blurred the lines between CAD, BIM, XR, AI and other technologies. Enabling better interoperability between tools, building more streamlined workflows and improving collaboration on design - it provides the reigns for better harnessing these technologies.

Even for the simplest of projects, CD can add immense value at every step - from optimizing building mass to analyzing building performance. Design rationalization and digital fabrication are just a small part of what CD has to offer. And with new tools like McNeel Europe Grasshopper2, Autodesk Forma and others, the future of this field is very bright.

CD is the cement between the various software and hardware blocks used in the AEC industry - 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵. Teams that employ CD strategies are far more effective and efficient; saving on time, effort and cost in delivering high quality results.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗘𝗖 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹.

Pairing talented designers with powerful tools has historically led to the most success, and the same continues to apply here. One without the other is simply useless! And as the tools evolve, so must the designers using them.