Design Pedagogy through Biomorphic research A digital approach to design methodology in undergraduate architecture studios

Authors

  • Quratulain Asghar University of Engineering and Technology Lahore.
  • Fatima Javeed Georgia Tech University, Atlanta
  • Syed Muhammad Zille Ali Naqvi Studioarch- Architectural Consultants

Abstract

The purpose of this research, resulting from the design studio experimentation, is to frame and explore the outcomes of a biomorphic design methodology. In addition, the research observes how knowledge transfer takes place with regard to the novice learner when exposed to such a methodology as an architectural medium. This design education literature is composed to construct a theoretical lens in digital environments as well as cognitive theories of learning, keeping in view, the challenges confronted by and achievements of the students in the studio.

Assembly of design concepts from natural processes is explored as a medium of design inspiration in the research. An experimental design studio titled: ‘Design through biomorphic research: the exploration of contemporary digital tools’ is presented as a pedagogical framework for educating the 4th year architecture students. This framework, along with the inventive end products, is demonstrated by a series of interesting research and design programs explored in the design studio. The projects presented expand upon the term ‘biomorphic’ by investigating the animal kingdom and complex natural process as a source of inspiration and are focused on the analysis and understanding of various complicated and self-organized phenomenon. Thus, these projects translate the principles from nature into design decisions with the help of digital tools available today.

 

The paper illustrates one of the methods of investigation, bringing together architecture, science, and nature. The methodology is explained with the help of two projects resulting from an outline provided by the instructors to their 4th-year design students at the Architecture Department at University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, during the 2017/2018 academic year.

Author Biographies

Quratulain Asghar, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore.

Assistant Professor Architecture Department University Of Engineering and Technology Lahore, MS in Digital Architecture.

Fatima Javeed, Georgia Tech University, Atlanta

Currently Pursuing her Ph.D in computational design from Georgia Tech Atlanta.

References

[1]Benyus, J. M. (1997). Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. New York: William Morrow in 1997.

[2] Braham, W. (2003). Biotechniques: Form Follows Flow? The University of Pennsylvania, Department of Architecture, Pennsylvania. Retrieved from http://repository.upenn.edu/arch_papers/21

[3] Estévez, A. T. (2014). The Future of Architecture: Biodigital Architecture and Genetics. 1. doi:10.5923/s.arch.201402.02

[4] Karam M. Al-Obaidia, M. A. (2017). Biomimetic building skins: An adaptive approach (79 (2017) 1472–1491 ed.). Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.

[5] KOLAREVIC, B. (n.d.). Designing and Manufacturing Architecture in the. University of Pennsylvania, USA. Retrieved from http://www.upenn.edu/gsfa

[6] Maglic, M. J. (May 2012). Biomimicry: Using Nature as a Model for Design. The University of Massachusetts, Department of Art, Architecture, and Art. Amherst: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST. Retrieved from http://scholarworks.umass.edu/theses/871

[7] Maldonado, M. P. (n.d.). Digital Recipes. The University of Edinburgh. Retrieved from University of Edinburgh

[8] Mercedes Garcia-Holguera, O. G. (2016). Ecosystem biomimetics for resource use optimization in buildings (44 ed., Vol. 3). Building Research & Information. doi:10.1080/09613218.2015.1052315

[9] Okuyucu, C. (n.d.). BIOMIMICRY BASED ON MATERIAL SCIENCE,THE INSPIRING ART FROM NATURE. Middle East Technical University, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. Ankara, Turkey: Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, METU, 06800 Ankara, Tur.

[10] Oxman, R. (2008). Digital architecture as a challenge for design pedagogy: theory, knowledge models and medium. Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel, Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion.

[11] Szalapaj, P. (n.d.). The Digital Design Process in Contemporary Architectural Practice. school of architecture.

[12] Vincent, J. ((2009)). Biomimetic patterns in architectural design. Architectural Design.

[13] W. Myers. (2012). Beyond Biomimicry. London: Thames & Hudson.

[14] YorgancioğLu, D. (2016). Research-based teaching as a search for novelty in architectural education. Research Based Education 2016. 1. Turkey: Assocaition of Architectural Educators.

Downloads

Published

2020-03-13

Issue

Section

City and Regional Planning, Environmental Engineering, Architecture