Bryan Lawson

Can concurrent verbalization reveal design cognition

Abstract We advance a view that design is a combination of many types of thinking, maintaining that concurrent verbal reports are best at revealing particular types of thinking (specifically the short term focus of the designer). There are two issues of using concurrent verbal reports to elicit types of design thinking: (1) do the words ‘thought aloud’ accurately reflect the design thinking? (2) does a concurrent verbal methodology actually affect the designing it seeks to reveal? In our analysis of Dans protocol we show how the interaction between design problem and design solution is effectively handled by Dan- and revealed by concurrent verbalization — but how aspects of design thinking such as perception and insight, are not elicited by concurrent verbalization. We go on to show how the design task changes as a result of the designer having to continually think aloud, with ‘normal’ activities like negotiation and displacement being impaired. We conclude by identifying a need for protocol analysis in design to be specific about the questions it addresses.

Computers, words and pictures

Abstract The paper discusses the problem of CAD in architectural design from the point of view of aiding creativity. It argues that so far there is no real evidence that this has been achieved. An explanation for this is offered and the authors suggest that more work needs to be done on how we hold conversations about design. The authors also conclude that, at least until design conversations are better understood, we should concentrate less on pictures and more on words. A first attempt to develop a computer-aided design conversation system is described.

CAD and Creativity: Does the Computer Really Help?

We are frequently told by its exponents that computer-aided design (CAD) liberates designers and gives them new ways of envisioning their work, but is this really true? CAD in architecture is examined to see to what extent it has enhanced creativity in design. This is partly done by applying a test of creativity advanced by contemporary architect Herman Hertzberger. In this analysis, CAD is found somewhat wanting, and some suggestions are made as to why this might be so.

Intentions, practices and aspirations: Understanding learning in design

Abstract This paper is about learning in design and how can we measure this learning. The work reported here is based on a study of the actual practice of procurement, design and construction of a number of clients who repeatedly commission work of a similar nature. The paper sets out the background of a project entitled LEAF (Learning from Experience—Applying Feedback) which developed a generic model to assist organisations in understanding their situation. The discussion develops the LEAF evaluation model and explains its use describing all its parameters.

“Fake” and “Real” creativity using computer aided design: some lessons from Herman Hertzberger

The paper argues that creative design requires deep rather than shallow analysis and that current CAD techniques are not necessarily promoting this.

Exploring urban history and space online: Design of the virtual Sheffield application

Abstract The Sheffield Urban Contextual Databank project was set up to develop digital means of transferring the physical database amassed in the Sheffield Urban Study project to suitable formats accessible through multiple routes. We have developed a Web-based virtual city platform capable of displaying urban contextual information containing 3D models and other related documents in a user-centred way. With this prototype, we explored an alternative way of building virtual cities that is beyond conventional static urban modelling. The ability to retrieve urban contextual information according to user-specified locations and boundaries is essential for future uses of the system in supporting collaborative design and research relating to the city of Sheffield.

Towards a computer-aided architectural design process: a journey of several mirages

This paper discusses the history and current state of development of the application of computers to architectural design. The process of trying to develop useful roles for the computer in the design process is seen as a yet unfinished journey. As we travel, we simultaneously develop more understanding of the design process and acquire more sophisticated computer technology. The promise and potential for the computer in architectural design has thus shifted rather than remained a constant target. Over the years, we have seen the computer as designer, draftsman, modeller, evaluator, and assistant. The paper shows how none of these roles have yet been satisfactorily realised in relation to the potential which the computer appears to have. In particular, the paper shows that this is due to a misunderstanding of the real nature of the architectural design process. The paper finishes with some suggestions for a new research agenda for the field.

The subject that won't go away But perhaps we are ahead of the game. Design as research

Design is central to the discipline of architecture. Despite this, the question as to whether design constitutes a form of research seems to raise more questions and strong feelings than any other aspect of the UK Governments research assessments of university architecture schools (arq 6/1, p5). No one is better fitted to set out the arguments than Bryan Lawson: an architect and psychologist, he has acted as an assessor for the last two exercises, has extensive knowledge of the university sector and has undertaken research on the design processes of such influential designers as Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, Herman Hertzberger and Ken Yeang. (See also leader, p99, and letters, pp101–106 in this issue.)

Modes and features: the organization of data in CAD supporting the early phases of design

Abstract This paper is concerned with CAD that supports the early stages of design primarily in architectural design, but the main issues dealt with here are generic, and apply across a considerable number of design fields.

On an alternative framework for building virtual cities: supporting urban contextual modelling on demand

For various purposes, virtual city applications have been developed around the globe to provide users with online resources and services over the Internet. Following our research on the Sheffield Urban Contextual Databank (SUCoD) project, this paper presents an alternative framework for building virtual cities, which goes beyond conventional static urban modelling. A three-tier system framework is described in conjunction with the design and implementation of the SUCoD prototype. We demonstrate SUCoDs novel functionalities by showing that complex urban contextual information sets, including three-dimensional interactive models, multilayer interactive maps, and hypermedia documents, can be retrieved dynamically by user-specified urban contextual attributes, spatial locations, and boundaries. The three-tier framework also facilitates system development in an extensible way, allowing continuous parallel extensions of system functionalities, user-interface components, and contextual data resources. SUCoDs dynamic capabilities are considered crucial in its future uses for urban contextual modelling on demand in relation to the past, present, and future of the City of Sheffield.