Learning from computational design
There are many scary and apocalyptic stories about how artificial intelligence will take over our lives, dehumanize us and make the world into a Terminator narrative complete with Skynet.
At the same time digital tools that deploy massive computational power are transforming the way we design and make things. From the ability to manufacture on demand at any scale to solving very complex problems.
Computational Design is one such area and its application to the problem of sustainability is exciting. Sustainability problems, from clothing to car design, are fraught with a huge number of variables. One of the reasons change happens slowly is that the unexpected outcomes and challenges can overwhelm the process. How many sticky notes can you put on the white board?
Design thinking powered by massive computational power means that the process can be inclusive and embrace as many parameters, inputs and perspectives as needed to create many testable digital models before even thinking of production. Problems no longer need to be over simplified in order to be solved.
In the same way that Formula One has become more exciting as the technology has become more central to the race so computational design offers up the promise of innovative sustainability solutions that will thrill.
Gallery of 5 Ways Computational Design Will Change the Way You Work – 1