The 18th International Conference on Humane Habitat, held in Mumbai, focused on the integration of digital technology in architectural education and practice to foster sustainable design. The document highlights advancements in computational design, generative methods, and virtual reality within architecture, emphasizing the need for new design approaches that leverage technology for innovative problem-solving. By examining the evolution of architectural tools and processes, the conference aims to encourage a shift from traditional CAD to computational design methodologies that enhance creativity and efficiency in architecture.

1. 18TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HUMANE HABITAT 2014
JANUARY 10- FEBRUARY 14, 2016
HOSTED BY,
RIZVI COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, MUMBAI, INDIA
THEME: Theme: Innovating Humane Habitats in a Digital Era for a
Sustainable Future
Title: Digital Technology in Architectural
Education and Profession.
Ar.Suvarna Lele

2.  Architecture has always been a technological attempt with roots in the research of
geometry, materiality, representation, the social sciences and the humanities.
 We have begun to incorporate advanced computation into our design processes;
these include multi-agent systems, multi-disciplinary design optimization and
search, generative and evolutionary algorithms, social design, interactive
architecture, and robotics and material computation to name a few.
 Research at the intersection of architectural design and computation and technology
demands we look at the benefits and limitations of both
 The research in field of computation includes form generation, cutting edge
fabrication technologies, novel and intelligent simulation ,modeling approaches
,fundamentally the incorporation of models and approaches to design problems
found in engineering, computer science, material science biology, and information
sciences.
 Through these researches issues of generative design techniques, robotics and material
computation, and interactive architecture can be researched, innovated upon, and
incorporated into practice.

3.  Developments in information and communication technology have an impact
throughout the entire life cycle of a building, not only from a process and
technical point of view but also from a creative design and materialization point
of view.
 The rise of spatial modeling and form creation techniques enables architects
to deal with forms that previously could barely be drawn or built, and that
require non-standard engineering and construction methods for their
materialization.
 Therefore, the exploration and adoption of new techniques and methods for
design and manufacturing, including parametric design approaches, performance-
based design approaches and digital manufacturing techniques, are necessary.

4.  The significance of virtual Architecture is its emergence with the ability of
computer-imaging technology to accurately simulate three-dimensional
reality. The technique of simulating three-dimensional reality is known
as virtual reality.
 The technique facilitates a modern Architect to envision Design process
through simulation. The process of 3D imagery aids the user to replicate
most scenarios that they will encounter during the design, construction,
and eventually the life of the structure they are attempting to build.
Virtual Architecture

5. 1.The current transition from Computer Aided Design (CAD) to Computational
Design in architecture represents a profound shift in design thinking and
methods.
2.Representation is being replaced by simulation, and the crafting of objects is
moving towards the generation of integrated systems through designer-authored
computational processes.
3.It presents relevant principles from the domains of Mathematics and computer
science, developmental and evolutionary biology, system science and philosophy,
establishing a discourse for computational design thinking in architecture.
4.Emerging from the field of science, principally the subjects of morphogenesis,
evolution and mathematics computation aids in the process of design thinking.

6. Let us have a short glimpse at the last three decades of research in virtual
reality and its highlights:
• BOOM – commercialized in 1989 by the Fake Space Labs. BOOM is a small
box containing two CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors that can be viewed
through the eye holes. The user can grab the box, keep it by the eyes and
move through the virtual world, as the mechanical arm measures the
position and orientation of the box.
• UNC Walkthrough project – in the second half of 1980s at the University
of North Carolina an architectural walkthrough application was
developed. Several VR devices were constructed to improve the quality of
this system like: HMDs, optical trackers and the Pixel-Plane graphics engine
• Virtual Wind Tunnel – developed in early 1990s at the NASA Ames
application that allowed the observation and investigation of flow-fields
with the help of BOOM and DataGlove.

7. • CAVE – presented in 1992 CAVE (CAVE Automatic Virtual Environment) is a
virtual reality and scientific visualization system. Instead of using a HMD it
projects stereoscopic images on the walls of room (user must wear LCD shutter
glasses).
This approach assures superior quality and resolution of viewed images, and wider
field of view in comparison to HMD based systems

8. • Augmented Reality (AR) – a technology that “presents a virtual world that
enriches, rather than replaces the real world”. This is achieved by means of
see-through HMD (head mounted display) that superimposes virtual three-
dimensional objects on real ones.
This technology was previously used to enrich fighter pilot’s view with additional
flight information (VCASS).

9. Significance Of Virtual Reality:
1Real-time interactive graphics with three-dimensional models, combined with
a display technology gives the user the immersion in the model world and
direct illusion of participation in a synthetic environment rather than
external observation of such an environment.
2. VR relies on a three-dimensional, stereoscopic head-tracker displays,
hand/body tracking and binaural sound. VR is an immersive, multi-sensory
experience.
3.Computer simulations that use 3D graphics and devices such as the Data
Glove allow the user to interact with the simulation.
4. Virtual reality refers to immersive, interactive, multi-sensory, viewer-
centered, three dimensional computer generated environments and the
combination of technologies required to build these environments.
5. Virtual reality lets you navigate and view a world of three dimensions in real
time, with six degrees of freedom. In essence, virtual reality is clone of
physical Reality.

10. VR in architecture: (a) Ephesos ruins (TU Vienna), (b)
reconstruction of destroyed Frauenkirche in Dresden (IBM).
Exploration of airflow using Virtual Wind Tunnel developed at NASA Ames:
(a) outside view, (b) inside view.

11. Levels of immersion in VR systems
In a virtual environment system a computer generates sensory impressions that are
delivered to the human senses. The type and the quality of these impressions
determine the level of immersion and the feeling of presence in VR. Ideally the high-
resolution, high-quality and consistent over all the displays, information should be
presented to all of the user’s Senses.
We can group the VR systems accordingly to the level of immersion they offer to
the user :
• Desktop VR – Sometimes called Window on World (WoW) systems. This is the
simplest type of virtual reality applications. It uses a conventional monitor to display
the image (generally monoscopic) of the world. No other sensory output is supported.
• Fish Tank VR – Improved version of Desktop VR. These systems support head
tracking and therefore improve the feeling of “of being there” thanks to the motion
parallax effect. They still use a conventional monitor (very often with LCD shutter
glasses for stereoscopic viewing) but generally do not support sensory output.
• Immersive systems – The ultimate version of VR systems. They let the user totally
immerse in computer generated world with the help of HMD that supports a
stereoscopic view of the scene accordingly to the user’s position and orientation.
These systems may be enhanced by audio, haptic and sensory interfaces.

12. Desktop VR Fish Tank VR –
Immersive systems –

13. VR Devices
HMD (Head Mounted Display) Shutter Glasses
Data Glove and 3D Joystick Immersa Desk Cave & Infinity Wall

14. 1.ACAD
2.I Rhino 3D
3.Sketch book
4.V Ray
5.Google sketch up
6.Morpholio
7.Autocad WS
8.3D Max
9.Rivett
10.Ray tracing Autodesk
11.360
12.Graphisoft BIM
Packages used for
Architectural Drafting and rendering.
13.Morpholio Trace
14.Paper
15Design observer
16Flipboard
17.Good reader
18.Houzz
19.Magic Plan
20.My measures and
21dimensions
22.Photoshop Express.
23.InchCalc
24.Photosynth
25.Pocket light meter

15.  COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN FOR ARCHITECTURE:
The concept of computational design thinking is related to algorithmic thinking
that architects use in their design process rather than the tools they use. It
involves an algorithmic logic that is deterministic, rational, consistent and
systematized.
 In the realm of architecture, computational design has emerged as a sub-
discipline of architecture which is multidisciplinary in nature and uses
advanced computing capabilities to understand and solve complex problems
of the architectural design. It provides methods for an architect/designer in
harnessing a more deliberate and conscious thought process in the design.
 Generative design is a design method in which the output – image, sound,
architectural models, animation – is generated by a set of rules or an
Algorithm, normally by using a computer program. Most generative design is
based on parametric modeling. It is a fast method of exploring design
possibilities that is used in various design fields such as Art, Architecture,
Communication Design, and Product Design.
 Typically, generative design has:
• A design Schema.
• A means of creating variations.
• A means of selecting desirable outcomes.

19.  The current transition from Computer Aided Design (CAD) to Computational
Design in architecture represents a profound shift in design thinking and
methods.
 Representation is being replaced by simulation, and the crafting of
objects is moving towards the generation of integrated systems through
designer-authored computational processes.
 Design Thinking includes relevant principles from the domains of
mathematics and computer science, developmental and evolutionary
biology, system science and philosophy, establishing a discourse for
computational design thinking in architecture.

20. DIGITAL FABRICATION

21. New developments in computational design as well as in digital fabrication are
currently leading to a rethinking of architectural design, material science,
engineering and fabrication.

22.  On the basis of material behaviour and fabrication requirements, a bending active,
multi layered material system is being developed, incorporating fabrication
and material constraints, as well as structural and architectural demands.

 Finally, this leads to the development of a computational design tool showing the
performative capacity of the developed material system in an architectural
context, as well as of computational design processes in general.

23.  In robotic fabrication and material behaviour it is possible to efficiently and
thoroughly expand the use and performance of computational design, especially
when integrated in an architectural context.
 This also includes the ability to prefabricate and transport parts of the
structure as well as an easy assembly on site.

24.  It will therefore be necessary to develop a modular material system that includes
not only fabrication constraints and material behaviour, but also structural and
architectural demands,
 It will also be necessary to develop a design tool integrating those parameters in a
form finding process through the adaption of natural behaviour and biomimetic
principles in the context of an architectural and urban surrounding.

25. Computational Models-Physical models-computational models

26. Digital Patterns and Computation.

27. Fabrication Patterns

30. Digital Forms and Fabrication

32. Parametric design:
 Enables the exploration of alternative designs within a single
representation using parameters and associative relationships to control
geometric and constructive aspects of the design.
 In performance-based design, performance goals with respect to various aspects,
such as comfort and structure, are explicitly developed and updated during the
design, and assessed and guarded throughout the design process.
 Digital manufacturing enables innovative design exploration through physical
prototyping during the design process, and mass-customization of non-
standard architecture towards industrialization in a cost-effective manner.

33. Kiosks

35. Computer Generated Facades

36. Spatial art installation of scaled prototype for Beakerhead Festival:
design/fabricate/build workshop explored digital form-finding techniques to produce a
series of scaled architectural prototypes for freestanding pavilion structures.
Exploring digital and analogue techniques for discovering form through variable
material and geometric organizations and force simulations, while
simultaneously considering the design opportunities being afforded by advances
in computation and fabrication.
Synthesis Design

37. A night-time view of the illuminated Beijing National Aquatics Centre, or
Water Cube (left), and the Beijing National Stadium, or Bird's Nest (right).
Generative Design Is Changing The Face Of Architecture

38. 3D PRINTING

39. Marvelous 3d Printed Architecture Created Through GPU
Computing
Daghan Cam is a renowned expert when it comes to rendering breathtaking,
futuristic 3d printed architecture designs as a result of his diverse background of
computational design, robotic fabrication and large scale 3d printing.
As a 3d modeller, you might start wondering what would be Daghan Cam’s secret in
creating such magnificent, stunning, architectural masterpiece? Daghan revealed
that the incorporation of GPU computing and CUDA parallel programming model
enabled him to create and realized complicated, 3d printed architecture designs.

40. Architecture & Geo-3D Printing
 For design communication in architecture, nothing makes an impression or
instills confidence quite like a scaled-model. 3D Systems’ printers take over
the painstaking task of translating the promises of a blueprint into an awe-
inspiring visual with fine custom detail and full color so that architectural
firms can build their reputation on a strong foundation.
 3D Systems 3D printers also enable the production of high-quality terrain,
urban and subsurface maps in hours and at very low cost.
Maps for analytics, communication models and educational displays or city models
can be produced in full color with no geometrical limitations.

41. Why 3D Printing for Architectural Design?
1.Help Clients to Better Visualize your Design-
By printing more detailed models, will help your
clients to better visualize the final projects,.
2.Reduce hours spent creating models-
With a Stratasys 3D Printer you can significantly
reduce the time and expense in producing building
models, often requiring highly delicate details.
3.Create a Library of Reusable Designs-
Using 3D printing allows you to be more innovative
with your model making. For instance when you
have repetitive pieces, you can print one as a
mold, cast it, and then use the cast to injection-
mold the required duplicates.

42.  3D Printing helps architectural firms seize more opportunities by creating
complex, durable models in-house, directly from CAD data.
 Stratasys 3D printing technology produces astonishingly smooth, detailed
architectural models in an array of materials, including rigid photopolymers
ready for painting and finishing.

43. Stratasys 3D printing
technology

44. The [Dimension 3D] printer give us the ability to create unorthodox shapes to an
exacting degree of accuracy.

48. Adaptive Linear Network Topology
Conceptual model exploring the potential of self organising linear networks.

52. 1.This project explores the connection between advanced computational design
techniques and the engagement of reality in the production of architecturally
embedded geometry.
2.Processes explore how contemporary modes of digital design to production
including parametric exploration, performative design, solid modeling,
computer numerically controlled fabrication and material studies
contribute in the setting up of a flexible design strategy.

53. Material Intelligence-from physical model to computational
model-physical model.

54. Assemblage of modular components that is able to accommodate parametric,
variable behavior. It is a hybrid approach to analog and digital modes of working.
Ex-. In the transition to Grasshopper (algorithmic modeling for Rhino) , students
design variation into their systems by re-modeling the two-dimensional component
and testing how parametric changes in the single component produce broader effects
when the components are arrayed in a field.

55. Parametric Biodome in Chester

56. Some Examples In Interior Design

61. Patterns From Islamic Architecture- Grasshopper

62.  Use Of Computers in Urban Planning
 A CAD (Computer Aided Design) based approach to urban planning promotes the
examination of density, zoning, sun and shade, open space and views as part of
the design process.
 By visualizing possible development scenarios, communities have the means to
evaluate potential action for and against their vision.
 The new technologies are influencing the way that we develop social networks;
understand places and location; how we navigate our cities; how we provide
information about utilities and services; developing new ways to engage and
participate in our communities, in planning, in governance and other decisions.

 The rise of digital Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) intersects
with the development of urban form in several key ways.
 From spatial distributions (multi‐media clusters, digital growth centers, silicon
valleys); to telecommuting affecting flows and movements of people and
information; to changing patterns of social networks; the installation of physical
infrastructure both to enable the digital functionality and to visualize the digital
screen

69. 1.https://mylocal3dprinting.com/blog/marvelous-3d-printed-architecture-
created-gpu-computing.
2.http://www.adammarcus.com/writings/positioning-parametric-design
3.http://newalways.how2update4u.com/?tract=13DdfWTTGP.
4.A Virtual Environment for Conceptual Design in Architecture.
5.http://www.lrz-muenchen.de/MLM/telepolis/english/office/partner.htm
6.Virtual Reality: An Introduction-Rodrigo Luis de Souza da Silva
THANK YOU
Ar.Suvarna Lele