Reading Response 003: How Do Simulation Knows

Drawing once played a crucial role in prompting the architecture’s transition from craft to profession. With the development of technology, the varieties needs of market, the complexity of architecture escalates. Computer simulations are just up to the need.

With the popularity of computer simulations, we care about whether it can be managed in architecture. Though computer simulations can provide architects with different kinds of knowledge which makes it easier to realize complex projects, there are still many problems left to be resolved. Architecture is developing and tested every day, so is the computer simulation. Different social groups have different systems of knowledge. Several simulations will be put on trail based on uncertainties; those particular social groups determine the practice of building design.

We live in real space, one simulation may involve many assumptions which may lead any outcomes, we can make trials through simulations, but they cannot replace our intuitive judgments. Today, we need even more time to spend on construction site, to acquire more experience. Simulation and experience are two kinds of knowledge that we could use both of them.

Uncertain assumptions will threaten the legitimacy of computer simulations. When designing, several simulations are often made not only to validate one another, but also to integrate for a better performance.

The occurrence of computer simulations challenges the traditional knowledge of design. All the changes will shape the ways of being a designer. As to take fully use of simulations, we should combine new knowledge with traditional ways of thinking. Using new methods to develop new architecture.