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The other approach I took was to analyze the site with multiple hand-drawn diagrams and physical relief models. These analog drawings and models were significant throughout the entire program development because of the way I transformed them into digital models.

I used form-Z to interpret the line drawings and study the composition three-dimensionally while considering the spaces between the shapes. I made three different digital relief models, representing positive space, negative space, and a hybrid.

The hybrid model became an important base for the next phase, which was to make the volumes of space habitable. Keeping in mind the intended program, I stretched, rotated, moved, and repeated the digital relief model in form-Z and then created a digital vocabulary model. From that, I made an analog vocabulary model to make sure the scale, circulation, and structure worked well.

Project Refinements

Besides making the analog vocabulary model, I developed cross- and longitudinal-section drawings with 2D CAD software and exported a DXF file for further development in 3D. These drawings showed the qualities of the inside spaces and relationships between the spaces.

I also made diagrams from the digital vocabulary model by simply turning on and off the layers within form-Z to study the circulation, structure, and program. This digital documentation series helped me to study and develop the project further.

As I changed the color, transparency, and reflectivity of surface style, I started to think about the materials. Studying the sun's path, I chose locations for the glazing and shading devices. Quickly checking all elevations of the structure with the sun path study, I was able to develop a vocabulary for the building skins so that each elevation worked well for its specific orientation. Also, form-Z allowed me to simultaneously study interior spaces and exterior facades.

Design Reflections

From this experience, I learned the importance of the switching from analog to digital media as a way to see the advantages and disadvantages of using particular tools in project development. For instance, I discovered that early in design the physical model was driving my investigations. The result was a generic and a very simple vocabulary of forms that were just extrusions from my 2D analysis diagrams and relief models.

In contrast, when I developed a digital vocabulary model to work in tandem with the physical one, my project benefited. I could use the physical model to understand the project as a whole and the digital model to explore the project immersively. The digital model also helped me develop the details of the building skin.

When I worked in a digital environment, the floating and apparently infinite 3D space represented by a white or black background made my mind more open and free than with analog models. Also, the "zero-gravity world" of digital modeling meant that every element did not have to be connected to other elements. This helped me to soften my designs. Moreover, switching back and forth between analog and digital media helped me understand the essence of the project.

Another thing I learned was how digital modeling can be a tool for design and not just for presentation. Experimenting digitally allows for serendipitous accidents that are useful in design development. In this project, the digital vocabulary models became more fruitful than I had imagined. I've learned there are many more possibilities for digital modeling to complement physical model development.

For my students, going back and forth between digital and analog media has the additional advantage of revealing more quickly and more clearly any weaknesses in a project as well as inconsistencies between a student's original intentions and what is revealed in their work. Successful students quickly make connections to the linkages between the digital and analog components of the emerging process of project. — T.F.   >>>

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Thomas Fowler, IV, is an associate professor at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Katsunori Shigemi was a third-year student at Cal Poly at the time of this project.

This article first appeared in the December 2005 issue of form-Z Joint Study Program Report, a publication of auto-des-sys, Inc. and is reprinted here with permission.

SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE A physical model enabled student Katsunori Shigemi to explore an architectural vocabulary for the design project. Photo: Katsunori Shigemi A digital model also helped in architectural vocabulary explorations. Image: Katsunori Shigemi A relief model suggests significant contextual elements. Image: Katsunori Shigemi Exploring the space sectionally. Image: Katsunori Shigemi Exploded isometric of structure, skin, circulation, and program spaces. Image: Katsunori Shigemi Sun path studies. Image: Katsunori Shigemi Developmental skin study. Image: Katsunori Shigemi Isometric view. Image: Katsunori Shigemi   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.