An experimental framework for designing a parametric design course

Abstract

Architectural forms, architectural knowledge, design process, and design thinking are all changing with the use of computer-aided design programmes, and even traditional university architecture departments now wish to teach these programmes. However, it can be difficult to implement courses on such computer programmes because these departments have traditionally structured curricula. We developed a framework that can inform the design of a parametric design course which considers the university profile, the course profile, and the student profile. This framework evaluates the departments in three categories: ‘open to new design approaches’, ‘supportive of CAD’ and ‘reject new design approaches’. A parametric design course in relation to the proposed framework was designed and implemented as a case study. The process and the results were discussed.