Sketching Algorithmic Design

Abstract

In the last few decades, architecture has experienced paradigm shifts prompted by new computational tools. Algorithmic design (AD), a design approach based on algorithms, is one such example. However, architectural design practice is strongly based on visual and spatial reasoning, which is not easy to translate into algorithmic descriptions. Consequently, even using tailored AD tools, AD programs are generally hard to understand and develop, independently of one’s programming abilities. To address this problem, we propose a methodology and a design environment to support AD in a way that is more akin to the workflow typically employed by architects, who represent their ideas mostly through sketches and diagrams. The design environment is implemented as a computational notebook, with the ability to intertwine code, textual descriptions, and visual documentation in an integrated storytelling experience that helps architects read and write AD programs.