Computational design is one of the fields in architecture that is in development and contributes hugely in the era of Parametricism 2.0, in which we are living. The computational design gave a paradigm shift in the design process and opened up a scope towards design exploration. This allowed the design to be more sustainable, better project management, and reduce the amount of material used and wasted. The effectiveness of shifting towards computational design created a lot of scopes and career opportunities for students across the world, making it one of the most promising fields towards the development of architecture.
1. Software developer
Since Computational design is largely based on the development of computer software, after learning computational design, one can work on the development of new software and the integration of technology. The software aims to be more user-friendly, with a good interface and gives users a lot of flexibility in designing. VR/AR nowadays play an important role in the 3D modeling of parametric objects, shapes, and various spaces. The software developer can also get into the development of plugins of various software like Grasshopper, Ty Flow, etc.
2. Digital fabrication
The parametric shapes we create digitally need to be fabricated with Robotic arms and 3D printers. So, one can work on the fabrication of the surfaces or facades designed parametrically and design the joints, reinforcements, etc that are required for it. Being a digital fabricator, one needs to work in 3 stages, i.e. design, prepare, and fabricate. Design using software like Rhinoceros, Autodesk Fusion, Solid works, etc, and then create vectors or prepare the mesh for the 3D printing. There are several ways in which a 3D printer works like Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). One needs to understand the accuracy, time, strength requirement to select the techniques to fabricate.
3. Building Analyst
A building designed must be analyzed from every aspect before the design is finalized. The analysis can be solar, structural analysis, shadow analysis, radiation analysis, green building analysis, etc. One can also develop software for the analysis of buildings and derive useful data. These analyses of buildings increase the project value and quality – an edge and are beneficial for the company, client, and users.
4. Researcher
Several ongoing types of research need computational designers, and software-based researches going on worldwide. Use of the computers in research gives it a faster pace to work and generate higher quality output. Various top university laboratory-like Institute of Computational Design and Construction of the University of Stuttgart, Department of Architecture of Harvard University, IAAC, etc., welcome researchers to work on ongoing projects and teach the students.
5. Material Engineer
Material engineering is one of the most emerging fields that are expected to develop in this decade a lot. This field requires computational designers to form designs using generative design tolls, print, and analysis of various textures of materials, and also find their behavior on various types of simulations. These materials play an important role in the development of advanced architecture, parametric shapes, environment-friendly materials, and material modifications.
6. Robotics Specialist
Robotics, AI, 3D printers play an important role in the fabrication of various shapes. Each material or shape to fabricate, different types of environment, robots, and software need to be developed to improve the quality and reduce the time and cost of the manufacturing of materials. Robotics specialists can also work in various robot development companies, universities, fabrications, and use in construction.
7. Design Critique and Writer
With a deep understanding of computational designs, one can express the views on new projects and do journalism on computational design. Several journalism firms like Arch2o have a separate section for journalism on computational design and parametric architecture.
8. Project Manager
Being a computational designer, one gets an idea of how the software works and how they are applied in the field project. With a bit of experience in the field, one can easily be a project manager and work on various aspects of computational designs in the project. Though with lots of technical knowledge, understanding of the proper workflow, various management skills are required to be a project manager.
9. Architect
On having architecture as a base subject and doing computational design as a part, of course, one can apply computational design in not only the creation of parametric forms, one can also apply the computational design in a new way. With computational design, one can explore and analyze to get an effective solution to the problems in design. With these, one gets a clearer idea of the whole process and can create one’s workflow. Several large firms look for an architect with knowledge of computational design too.
10. Artist
With the learning of computational design, one gets to explore a lot of design and can create artworks, sculptures, renders as per one’s will. Jobs for illustrations, futurists, visualizers can look attractive for a lot of computational designers.
Scopes of Computational Design is not only limited to architecture but also has deep roots in the Gaming Industry, VFX and animation development, Movies, Medical Sciences, etc. We need to understand the potential of the field and work towards the advancement of technology.
