A Revolution of the Design Process

Abstract

Along with the development of computer technologies and CAD/CAM, digital tools are increasingly adapted in architectural design. Developed thus far, functions of digital tools are no long limited to two-dimensional drafting or final presentation; they have become tools that can assist design thinking. Because of the involvement of digital tools, the design process has been greatly affected; or, one may say that digital tools liberated the confines of forms and structuring of architectures. This research aims to explore the procedures in the design process using digital tools. In the conclusion, we found that in an attempt to abridge the gap between design ideas and actual implementation, the designer used the digital reality simulation function very frequently to assist in decision making, and in order to process more complex and freer forms, the designer relied on the 3D design environment to carry out his thinking process and amendments. In addition, the digital design process is mainly conducted through the methods of 1, 3D modeling, 2, Simulation, 3, Generation, and 4, Fabrication. The steps and methods in the digital design process are obviously different from the traditional ones, which focus mainly on mass-production of 2D drawings; therefore, it is certain that the new tools will change the outcome of the designs.