Design Workshop Elective :: Computing Drawing Space

Student: Geoffrey Arthur

Title: Computing Drawing Space

Instructor name: Carl Lostritto

Date: Fall 2011

This course is a structured exploration of the roles of computation in the theorization, conception, representation and fabrication of architecture. Throughout the semester, students use the Python Programming language to create speculative gestures and engage in creative experimentation-two hallmarks of what has historically been the domain of drawing and sketching. At the conclusion of the course students will have demonstrated an understanding of programming concepts and an ability to employ programming techniques in an open-ended, functional manner within a design process.

Initially, students create iterations of drawings generated by writing 

Python code. While learning the structure and syntax that govern

what is for most students a foreign language, the class explores the

qualitative tendencies a generate methodology. 

As students refine their code for their drawing apparatus we pause

to explore a material analog: drawing with graphite, ink, or any

other medium on paper. These drawings are intended to be 

computational and algorithmic despite the fact that no [digital] 

computer was involved. Analysis of and discussion around these 

drawings was then invited to influence students' code. 

Before passing on their apparatus to a peer, students created graphic documentation to

explain/influence/communicate with future users. This documentation is both instruction

manual and explanatory diagram of the coded algorithms

A drawing made by Jay Underwood using Geoffrey Arthur's drawing apparatus.