Teaching and Experimenting with Architectural Design

148 EAAE no 35 Teaching and Experimenting with Architectural Design: Advances in Technology and Changes in Pedagogy

properties of the architectural form [Fig. 11]. Failures resulting from lack of advanced

simulation tools to test structural behavior and material performance underlined the

sometimes misleading role of digital modeling, emphasizing though the power of

and, therefore, need for simulation techniques if used in all their magnitude and not

only for the formfinding process.

Though sometimes inadequate if dealing only with formal investigations without

testing material or structural properties, digital tools proved to be unexpectedly help-

ful in complex construction issues, like efficiently setting up the 2D layout diagrams

[Fig. 12] or resourcefully outlining the formwork needed, successfully substituting

for the lack of classic mathematical and geometric analysis tools.

From another perspective, the use of information technology and digital tools

was evident for communication, collaboration, recording and presentation purposes.

Besides, especially when dealing with a rather unusual design field, internet resources

can be particularly helpful to substitute for limited bibliographical references, to

instigate interest in new forms and technologies, to present principles and prec-

edents, to develop tools and techniques by sharing knowledge with research groups

with similar focus.

Fig. 11

Tensegrity Needle Tower:

experimenting with the 1:1

scale mock-up

Fig. 12
Tensegrity Needle Tower: 2D layout diagram and final 3D structure – S. Bagiartaki, P. Doudesis,
E. Kostopoulou, N. Theodoulou