Computational Design Solutions in architectural education: The use of script language to design complex surfaces

Abstract

In this paper, the author explains why architects who know how to use scripts have an advantage over the ones who just know how to manipulate a specific software. The reason behind this affirmation is that knowing how to program frees the architect from the rules and language of the interactive software. To prove his point, the author organized two workshops where students at the school of architecture learned to use Rhinoscript. The students didn’t create a new interface, but used an existing one. They adapted the program (Rhino) to a design problem they had formulated at the beginning of the workshop. Students could have also used MaxScript (3DS Max) and MelScript (Maya).