Concept Modeling and Sketching: Towards a New Heuristic Architectural Design in Digital Era

In the designing process, the model intervenes in different phases and with different aims, depending on the operational logic adopted. In the simplest case – still the more diffused – the architect develops an idea through sketches and drawings, that are later passed to the "3D modelist", who obtains the three-dimensional model out of them. Further revisions are then made on it, with a continuous dialogue among 3D models, physical maquettes and sketches, tools operating at different levels, though. Conversely, when it comes to parametric modeling, the project is developed directly through the software, while hand-drawing becomes secondary and the architectural shape is defined by the selection of one among the infinite variations offered by the algorithmic parametric sequence of volumes’ deformation. New scenarios appear beyond these practices. They concern drawing software allowing tridimensional modeling with NURBS curves and surfaces directly from the sketch, drawn on a touch-screen through a stylus (e.g. sketch Catia plugin or experimental software such as ILoveSketch developed by the Toronto University). It is reasonable that these software, conceived originally for objects’ design, will also be applied to architecture and engineering, and will inter-operate with other CAD software or with the BIM software. Beyond the union between the representation plan and the working plan (separated into computer screen and mouse/keyboard/graphic tablet) these software may contribute in the recovery of free-hand drawing in the heuristic phase, in continuity with the subsequent implementation of the CAD drawing and modeling. In the same way, it is arguable that the use of physical concept models made through 3D printers and CAD-CAM machines could be more and more diffused, not only in the big studios as it happens today. Their costs, now still very high, will progressively decrease and they are going to be more diffused also thanks to the FabLabs, the small-scale workshops offering digital fabrication and prototyping that have spread all over the world.