Morphology & Development - knowledge management in architectural design computation practice

Paper in proceeding, 2017

In this paper we address the problem of knowledge management in architectural design computation practice, reflecting on our practice at Dsearch - a design computation network within White arkitekter. As a means to investigate relevant aspects of visual scripting, we introduce the notions of code, algorithm and note. We also introduce two different modes of operation within architectural practice: morphology and development - which help us distinguish the diverse knowledge types typically occurring in the structure of visual scripts. We describe two sets of tools developed by Dsearch to continuously integrate planning and documentation with design development work. The main conclusion from our practical experience of this approach is that it allows critical reflection into an efficient workflow. This constitutes a new kind of practice based and action oriented knowledge that can be curated in the form of design narratives.