BE Magazine - Volume 5, Issue 1 - (Page 40) TECH NOTES The Missing Link The authors of Architectural Geometry discuss how their book bridges the gap between technical possibilities and a basic knowledge of the new methods of geometric design W hy is a solid understanding of geometry crucial to overcoming the obstacles facing today’s architectural designers? Geometry is at the core of many modern design processes, ranging from geometric modeling to generative design using scripting and programming. A solid understanding of geometry allows the efficient translation of design ideas into CAD. Furthermore, knowledge about geometric properties is crucial for construction, performance evaluation, simulation, and analysis of built form. Geometry has always been important in architecture, but with the increase in freeform design in all disciplines—not just architecture—the geometric challenges have moved beyond classical geometry. How have modern computing technologies led to a geometry revolution? Modern computing technologies enable designers to explore more freely design possibilities that previously would have been prohibitive to develop in detail. The thinking and building of complex geometry has been a challenge in architecture for a long time—for instance, gothic and baroque buildings. The revolution lies, on the one hand, in the ability to interactively driven output devices that have changed designers’ perceptions of what is possible. Methods of geometric computing—for example, CAD, computer graphics, and geometric modeling—provide a huge variety of new methods and algorithms that can be used to deal with problems. Why has knowledge of possibilities not kept up with the technological advances of geometric design? and deal with them in a cost-efficient manner. Due to the scale and longevity of architecture, it is subject to more scrutiny than other more rapidly evolving design disciplines such as car or product design. v Andreas Asperl studied mathematics and descriptive geometry at Vienna University of Technology, where he has held a faculty position since 1983 manipulate and generate complex geometry in a simulated environment, and, on the other hand, in the connection to digitally Most architecture schools either don’t teach geometry at all, or if they do, they focus on classical and somewhat obsolete methods of descriptive geometry. The assumption is that students will pick up knowledge about geometry doing design. However, we are convinced that one should teach it—not directly tied to design—prior to entering the studio. Another challenge is that architectural design consists of more than geometry. It is a long process and part of culture to develop a new repertoire of forms. On the implementation side, it is a challenge to push the construction industry forward into becoming more comfortable with novel geometric challenges Michael Hofer is a post-doctoral researcher at Vienna University of Technology v How can this gap be bridged? One way is by teaching the core knowledge presented in our book. At the university level, this could be achieved by offering geometry courses in the architecture curriculum. Our book provides a collection of essential material at various levels and is—unlike most other similar books on geometry—not assuming a solid knowledge in mathematics. Our exposition of 40 BE MAGAZINE | Volume 5, Issue 1
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