The New Technological Paradigm in the Post-digital Era. Three Convergent Paths Between Creative Action and Computational Tools

Abstract

AbstractThe current evolutionary situation of the post-digital era is influenced by a scientific research based on an almost unconditioned technological positivism and requires a more agile a flexible built environment, adapted to the unpredictable changes and transformations of our planet. The building sector is going through an important evolutionary phase, mainly characterized by the use of new digital technologies which have considerable impact on the organizational dimension of the design and implementation, in order to adopt innovative solutions with the least environmental impact. While the architect is replaced by machines in the worksite, the use of digital technological instruments needs a new approach toward the project and the building procedures. Within this change, the draftsman, besides engaging with multidisciplinary specialized skills ranging from computational engineering to biotechnologies and neuro-sciences, has to be proactively able to control the current space, time, and technological processes which are offered by evolved and complex computerized instruments. These go beyond formality to create new constructive realities, which are being experimented. The inorganic computational instruments of the post-digital era afford the “Total Designer” a new opportunity to rethink composition not only in terms of productivity and efficiency but to also gain a deeper understanding of empathy and experience. It is pertinent in this situation to consider the possible convergence between design thinking and technical thinking based on the development of digital algorithms. With the help of some research and case studies, this contribution analyzes the relationship between creative action and computational instrument through three main directions—representation/simulation, communication/perception, and manufacture/materialization—that encompass the essential elements characterizing the role of the designer, a draftsman that is not only aware but sensitive to modern technology.