Essay

Redefining of "History"

Most recently, I have been working with procedural modeling software to create very forward-thinking conceptual designs. This way of modeling objects, buildings, or even cities is quite interesting as it allows for a more rapid testing, experimentation, and prototyping of ideas. And when procedural modeling integrates sensory design methodologies, opportunity to achieve high level poetics can surface.

In computer terms, the word “history” takes on new meaning and function when it comes to procedural modeling – since history in this context becomes malleable. For this reason, design prototyping of more complex forms gets faster for designers. Yet, this means that designers need to simultaneously engage in even deeper design thinking. After all, how far can a designer push the limits of a procedural model to explore the solution to a design challenge? Quite far (when engaged in deep design thinking).

The following is an example…

Imagining Procedural Built Environments

What if constructed buildings could be procedurally built? For example, a building would not be fixed and could be changed on-the-fly after being constructed. Of course, this would be a type of responsive environment – but it would be one with a malleable construction history. What if a room (already built) could have its windows changed (easily), like one would click a button in a software application? And could smart nanomaterials be a part of what makes these types of changeable environments realized?

While one may think the world of procedural buildings is far away, it still is quite beneficial to imagine such futures because this is where our design tools, like our design thinking, can lead. Be sure to see your design tools as more than just a way to show clients your idea. Think of your design tools as seeds to the future that your design thinking will water for them to grow and evolve. These tools hold keys to helping you innovate not only your own design work, but also your very vision for the future.

Image Credit: © Pixies | Pixabay