Abstract:

This paper explores the pedagogical advantages of incorporating digital fabrication techniques early in architectural education, extending beyond the scope of digital visualization. By embracing digital fabrication, architecture students can deepen their understanding of design principles, construction methods, materiality, and collaborative processes. This is especially notable given the post-pandemic conditions that gave rise to a proliferation and predominance of imagery rather than integrative thinking. This paper highlights the transformative impact of digital fabrication on architectural pedagogy, enabling students to bridge the gap between virtual design concepts and physical realization. Digital fabrication empowers students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, allowing them to fabricate physical prototypes and iterate designs in a tangible manner. This process enhances spatial comprehension as students grapple with material constraints, structural integrity, and assembly techniques. Through active involvement in the fabrication process, students gain practical knowledge of materials, construction detailing, and the consequential effects of design decisions on the built environment. Furthermore, digital fabrication fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting effective communication and teamwork among students from different disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach encourages innovation, problem-solving, and holistic thinking, preparing students for the complex challenges of the architectural profession. Ultimately, the integration of digital fabrication in architectural education expands pedagogical horizons, equipping students with the skills and mindset needed to shape the future of architecture. The paper concludes with case study examples of introducing digital fabrication in first year and extending into SME-scaled (small and medium-sized enterprises) architecture firms to validate the impact of introducing these emergent fabrication tools at earlier stages in architectural design praxis.

Keywords:

Design pedagogy, digital fabrication, digital design, architectural curricula.