Axonometry in support of design thinking. From analog drawing to digital experimentation.

This contribution aims to reflect on the versatility of digital tools applied to the ideational phase of the project, as a moment for understanding, interpretation and transformation of reality. In this phase, they can complement analog drawing as non-neutral tools, capable of revealing the transformative possibilities inherent in the existing. From a methodological perspective, parallels have been identified between ways of conceiving the project, as well as methods and tools of analog and digital representation. A digital experiment was therefore carried out, retracing the formal definition process followed by some Milanese architects in projects developed through analog drawing and before the advent of digital tools. The case study presented here is that developed in 1955-56 by Carlo De Carli for the Church of Sant'Ildefonso in Milan which, with the aid of geometry, seeks to define the building as a harmonic structure of all its parts, expressed as in a harmonic proportional system. From this perspective, geometry translates into schemes thanks to the use of axonometry in integration with orthogonal projections, establishing relationships not only between the parts of the building, but also with the urban context. This led to the adoption of free-modelling software for critically rereading the phases of De Carli's project, focusing on the manipulation of forms guided by geometry. The experiment demonstrated the effectiveness of digital tools on par with analog drawing, in functioning as conceptual devices, capable of guiding both theory and practice of design, enabling a conscious digital transition in the disciplines of representation.