Drawing, Scripting, Prompting. A Critical Approach from Architectural Graphics

Authors

  • Ángel J. Fernández-Álvarez Department of Architectural Graphics, Universidade da Coruña
  • Vicente López-Chao Department of Architectural Graphics, Universidade da Coruña

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26375/disegno.13.2023.16

Keywords:

architectural graphics, Artificial Intelligence, design process, digital thinking, parametric design

Abstract

In recent years, architecture has undergone a significant transformation with the introduction of digital tools and techniques. Three prominent techniques in this context are drawing, scripting, and prompting, offering architects novel approaches to the design process. Drawing remains a vital tool for idea exploration and design development. Conversely, scripting and prompting are digital methods that enable a more algorithmic and data-driven design approach. This paper explores the intersection of these techniques and their potential to enhance the design process. By using them together, architects can foster creativity, efficiency, and innovation while allowing more time for conceptual development. The paper analyzes the framework posed by these techniques, including the impact of new digital technologies like generative and algorithmic design, and artificial intelligence. The potential of scripting to automate graphic tasks, such as parametric design and generative drawing, is addressed. Furthermore, the paper delves into the new frontier of prompting and its application in architectural graphics, outlining the competencies architects need to effectively utilize this technology. In conclusion, this paper critically evaluates the current state of architectural graphics, exploring the fusion of traditional and digital methods, and how new technologies can transform the design process.

References

Agkathidis, A. (2016). Generative Design: Form-Finding Techniques in Architecture. London: Laurence King Publishing.

Allen, S. (2005). The digital complex. In Log, No. 5, pp. 93-99.

Anderson, A. T. (2002). On the human figure in architectural representation. In Journal of Architectural Education, Vol. 55, No. 4, pp. 238-246.

Belardi, P. (2014). Why Architects Still Draw. Two Lectures on Architectural Drawing. Cambridge (MA): The MIT Press.

Betsky, A. (2022). The Voyage Begins: Using Midjourney in Architecture. In The journal of the American Institute of Architects: <https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/the-voyage-begins-using-midjourney-in-architecture_o> (accessed 21 October 2023).

Bhooshan, S. (2017). Parametric design thinking: A case-study of practice-embedded architectural research. In Design Studies, No. 52, pp. 115-143.

Brandon, L., McLain-Kark, J. (2001). Effects of Hand–Drawing and CAD Techniques on Design Development: A Comparison of Design Merit Ratings. In Journal of Interior Design, No. 27(2), pp. 26-34.

Carazo Lefort, E., Martínez Gutiérrez, S. (2013). La generación digital. Más notas para el debate sobre una cibernética de la arquitectura. In EGA. Revista de expresión gráfica arquitectónica, No. 18(22), pp. 50-59.

Carnieletto, L. et al. (2021). Italian prototype building models for urban scale building performance simulation. In Building and Environment, No. 192: <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132321000068> (accessed 21 October 2023).

Carpo, M. (2017). The Second Digital Turn. Design Beyond Intelligence. Cambridge (MA): The MIT Press.

Castro Pena, M. L. et al. (2021). Artificial intelligence applied to conceptual design. A review of its use in architecture. In Automation in Construction, No. 124. <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926580521000017> (accessed 21 October 2023).

Celani, G., Verzola Vaz, C. E. (2012). CAD Scripting and Visual Programming Languages for Implementing Computational Design Concepts: A Comparison from a Pedagogical Point of View. In International Journal of Architectural Computing, No. 10(1), pp. 121-137.

Cook, P. (2008). Drawing: The Motive Force of Architecture. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

de la Fuente Suárez, L. A. (2016). Towards experiential representation in architecture. In Journal of Architecture and Urbanism, No. 40(1), pp. 47-58.

del Campo, M. (2022). Neural Architecture. Design and artificial intelligence. Novato (CA): ORO Editions.

del Campo, M., Leach, N. (2022). Can Machines Hallucinate Architecture? AI as Design Method. In Architectural Design, No. 92(3), pp. 6-13.

Dunn, N. (2012). Digital Fabrication in Architecture. London: Laurence King Publishing.

du Sautoy, M. (2019). The Creativity Code. Art and Innovation in the Age of AI. Cambridge (MA): Harvard University Press.

Fernández-Álvarez, Á. J., López-Chao, V. (2022). De lo conductual a lo emocional: métodos gráficos de evaluación arquitectónica / On behaviour and emotion: graphic approaches for architectural evaluation. In BAc Boletín Académico. Revista de investigación y arquitectura contemporánea, No. 12, pp. 74-95.

Franco Taboada, J. A. (1995). Pensamiento gráfico: el dibujo en la génesis de la idea arquitectónica. In EGA Revista de Expresion Gráfica Arquitectónica, No. 3, pp. 7-14.

García Alvarado, R., Jofre Muñoz, J. (2012). The Control Of Shape: Origins Of Parametric Design In Architecture In Xenakis, Gehry And Grimshaw. In METU Journal of the faculty of architecture, 29(1), pp. 107-118.

Gero, J. S. (1983). Computer-aided architectural design-Past, present and future. In Architectural Science Review, No. 26(1), pp. 2-5.

Iñarra Abad, S., Juan Vidal, F., Llinares Millán, C. (2013). Arquitecturas irreales y perspectiva emocional. In EGA. Revista de expresión gráfica arquitectónica, No. 18(21), pp. 204-215.

Jabi, W. (2013). Parametric Design for Architecture. London: Laurence King Publishing.

Leach, N. (2019). Do Robots Dream of Digital Sheep? In ACADIA 2019, pp. 298-309: <https://papers.cumincad.org/data/works/att/acadia19_298.pdf> (accessed 21 October 2023).

Leach N. (2021). Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. An Introduction to AI for Architects. London: Bloomsbury Visual Arts.

Leach, N. (2022). In the mirror of AI: what is creativity? In Architectural Intelligence, No. 1(1), p. 15.

Llopis Verdú, J. (2018). Entre representación y simulación. Un cambio de paradigma en el dibujo arquitectónico contemporáneo. In EGA Revista de expresión gráfica arquitectónica, 23(34), p. 180.

Lopez-Chao, V., Fernández-Álvarez, Á. J., Rodríguez-Grela, M. (2023). Unreal memories. The collective image of architecture in visual social networks. In SOBRE, No. 9(1), pp. 31-42.

Lorenzo-Eiroa, P. (2019). Multidimensional Space: From Perspective to Big Data. In C. L. Marcos (Ed.). Graphic Imprints. The Influence of Representation and Ideation Tools in Architecture, pp. 407-426. Cham: Springer.

Lorenzo-Eiroa, P. (2023). Digital Signifiers in an Architecture of Information. From Big Data and Simulation to Artificial Intelligence. London: Routledge.

Manni, M., Nicolini, A. (2022). Multi-Objective Optimization Models to Design a Responsive Built Environment: A Synthetic Review. In Energies, No. 15(2), p. 486.

Negroponte, N. (1969a). Toward a Theory of Architecture Machines. In Journal of Architectural Education (1947-1974), No. 23(2), p. 9.

Negroponte, N. (1969b). Towards Humanism through machines. In Architectural Design, No. 7/6, pp. 511-512.

Picon, A. (2019). Digital Fabrication, Between Disruption and Nostalgia. In C. Ahrens, A. Spercher (Eds.). Instabilities and Potentialities. Notes on the Nature of Knowledge in Digital Architecture, pp. 221-236. London: Routledge.

Sakamoto, T., Ferré, A. (2008). From Control to Design. Parametric/Agorithmic Architecture. Barcelona: Actar-D.

Schnabel, M. A. (2007). Parametric Designing in Architecture. In A. Dong, A. Vande Moere, J. S. Gero. Computer-Aided Architectural Design Futures (CAADFutures) 2007, pp. 237-250. Cham: Springer.

Suvanajata, R. (2005). Movement Navigator: A Relational Syntax Study on Movement and Space at King’s Cross and Piccadilly Circus Underground Stations, London, UK. In Journal of Architectural/Planning Research and Studies (JARS), No. 3, pp. 85-114.

Terzidis, K. (2006). Algorithmic Architecture. London: Routledge.

Wallick, K. (2012). Generative Processes: Thick Drawing. In International Journal of Art & Design Education, No. 31(1), pp. 19-29.

Yiannoudes, S. (2023). Architecture in Digital Culture Machines, Networks and Computation. London: Routledge.

Published

2023-12-31

How to Cite

[1]
Ángel J. Fernández-Álvarez and V. López-Chao, “Drawing, Scripting, Prompting. A Critical Approach from Architectural Graphics”, diségno, no. 13, pp. 143–152, Dec. 2023.

Issue

Section

Theories and Research