Computational design for the construction industry: a real "Must-have"?

Computing has become increasingly important in the field of architecture, but few researchers have questioned the efficiency of such tools for architecture in relation with the entire construction industry. This study examines... [ view full abstract ]

Computing has become increasingly important in the field of architecture, but few researchers have questioned the efficiency of such tools for architecture in relation with the entire construction industry. This study examines the potential for developing efficient computational design tools adapted to the traditional construction industry via a project-based approach. Four projects and their resulting constructions were critically reviewed with regards to creativity, performance of the construction, and properties of the environment necessary for benefiting from computational design. The collected observations showed that computational design is certainly not a "Must-have". Its potential should instead be carefully evaluated in terms of a decision-making tool, useful to all participants in the construction industry dealing with a wide range of processes and project scales.