Research Article

Integrating Computational Fabrication Methods with Architectural Education

Volume: 3 Number: 2 September 30, 2022
TR EN

Integrating Computational Fabrication Methods with Architectural Education

Abstract

Today, technology is developing rapidly. It changes architectural design and building techniques. To these changes up education system should be updated and be integrated with the novel technology. Tomorrow’s professionals only be educated with this way. To make novel technology a part of architectural education, computational fabrication laboratories should be established and be integrated with architectural curriculum. They have the potential to transform architectural education processes. Within this context, this study tries to integrate computational fabrication methods with architectural education. The aim of the study is to share the process and results of a series of exercises applied to the use of computational fabrication tools and methods at the undergraduate level of architectural education. The study deals with exercise processes in a multidimensional scope. In this framework, constructivist learning processes, the concept of metacognition, the flipped classroom model and portfolio evaluation method played a role in the creation and evaluation of the exercise processes. Integrating computational fabrication laboratories with educational processes brings the student to play an active role in the exercise process. This approach is defined as constructivist learning process. In this way, it is ensured that the students can construct their own thinking and understanding processes. While the verb "teaching" is in question in conventional or objectivist education processes, the verb "learning" comes to the fore in constructivist processes. The instructor does not give the information directly but directs the student to reach the information. Flipped classroom model and portfolio evaluation are used as the methods of this study. The background of the exercises is supported by constructivist learning processes and metacognition concept. Within the exercise processes computational fabrication processes such as CNC laser machining and robotic milling were experienced. Within this study four exercises were performed to make the students experience computational fabrication methods: Unfolding, Tessellation, Sectioning, Folding and Moulding. To evaluate the exercise series success portfolio evaluation method was used. The answers in the portfolio to the questions of “What is the aim of this study?” and “What did you learn from this study?” are compared with the aim and learning outcomes of the exercises. As a result of this study, it is seen that the students’ knowledge on file-to-factory process is increased. They learned how to make ready a parametric model for computational fabrication. Based on student portfolios, it has been determined that students have begun to realize the potentials of computational fabrication tools. The students learned how to use computer aided manufacturing software, and even they could manage to define toolpaths on their own. This shows that, undergraduate architectural education level is not early to teach students computational fabrication tools and software.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Bilimsel Araştırma Projeleri

Project Number

FAY-2018-7252

Thanks

This study’s digital fabrication phases were carried out within KTU CODEFAB laboratory which was established with a support of Karadeniz Technical University Unit of Scientific Research Projects (KTU BAP – Project ID: 7252 – Project Code: FAY-2018-7252). The study is prepared for sharing the findings of the PhD. Study titled “Improving computational thinking in architecture with learning by doing”. The exercises were carried within Computational Modelling in Architecture III. We acknowledge the students who participated in the exercise processes.

References

  1. Celani, G. (2012). Digital fabrication laboratories: pedagogy and impacts on architectural education. In Digital Fabrication (pp. 469-482). Birkhäuser, Basel.
  2. Erten, P. (2019). Z kuşağının dijital teknolojiye yönelik tutumları. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 10(1), 190-202.
  3. Gershenfeld, N. A. (2008). Fab: the coming revolution on your desktop--from personal computers to personal fabrication. Basic Books (AZ).
  4. Iwamoto, L. (2009). Digital fabrications: architectural and material techniques. Princeton Architectural Press.
  5. Kolarevic, B. (2003). Digital production. Architecture in the digital age: design and manufacturing, 38-63.
  6. Oblinger, D., & Oblinger, J. (2005). Is it age or IT: First steps toward understanding the net generation. Educating the net generation, 2(1-2), 20.
  7. Popescu-Mitroia, M. M., Todorescu, L. L., & Greculescu, A. (2015). The usefulness of portfolios as assessment tools in higher education. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 191, 2645-2649.
  8. Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants part 2: Do they really think differently?. On the horizon.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Architecture

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 30, 2022

Submission Date

July 27, 2022

Acceptance Date

September 1, 2022

Published in Issue

Year 2022 Volume: 3 Number: 2

APA
Oktan, S., & Vural, S. (2022). Integrating Computational Fabrication Methods with Architectural Education. Journal of Computational Design, 3(2), 111-134. https://doi.org/10.53710/jcode.1149803
AMA
1.Oktan S, Vural S. Integrating Computational Fabrication Methods with Architectural Education. JCoDe. 2022;3(2):111-134. doi:10.53710/jcode.1149803
Chicago
Oktan, Selin, and Serbülent Vural. 2022. “Integrating Computational Fabrication Methods With Architectural Education”. Journal of Computational Design 3 (2): 111-34. https://doi.org/10.53710/jcode.1149803.
EndNote
Oktan S, Vural S (September 1, 2022) Integrating Computational Fabrication Methods with Architectural Education. Journal of Computational Design 3 2 111–134.
IEEE
[1]S. Oktan and S. Vural, “Integrating Computational Fabrication Methods with Architectural Education”, JCoDe, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 111–134, Sept. 2022, doi: 10.53710/jcode.1149803.
ISNAD
Oktan, Selin - Vural, Serbülent. “Integrating Computational Fabrication Methods With Architectural Education”. Journal of Computational Design 3/2 (September 1, 2022): 111-134. https://doi.org/10.53710/jcode.1149803.
JAMA
1.Oktan S, Vural S. Integrating Computational Fabrication Methods with Architectural Education. JCoDe. 2022;3:111–134.
MLA
Oktan, Selin, and Serbülent Vural. “Integrating Computational Fabrication Methods With Architectural Education”. Journal of Computational Design, vol. 3, no. 2, Sept. 2022, pp. 111-34, doi:10.53710/jcode.1149803.
Vancouver
1.Selin Oktan, Serbülent Vural. Integrating Computational Fabrication Methods with Architectural Education. JCoDe. 2022 Sep. 1;3(2):111-34. doi:10.53710/jcode.1149803

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