Digital Design is an emerging domain in Architecture that needs recognition among the architects and the architecture students of Pakistan. For the purpose of awareness and training, the Department of Architecture, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, organized a 3-day workshop titled: “Digital Design in Architecture, Exploring the Parametric Tools and Modelers” from Dec 11th to Dec 13th, 2017. Objective of the workshop was to provide insight into recent technological developments in the field of Architecture. Furthermore, to understand how the technologies integrate into comprehensive design thinking and encourage the architectural community to consider the importance of this subject. Participants also learnt a couple of digital and parametric tools. The resource persons for this workshop included Ar. Qurat-ul-Ain-Asghar, Ar. Fatima Javeed, Dr. Naomi Keena, Ar. Omer Khan Kakar, Team Imtiaz Ali Associates, Ar. Umair Zia. and Ph.D. candidate Ar. Anas. M. Hosney.
Approximately, 50 architects and architecture students from all over different institutions of Pakistan participated in the workshop. Prof. Dr. Neelum Naz during her inaugural address highlighted that the global dominance of the internet and technological advancements have revolutionized the profession of architecture. Architects now require multi-faceted skills to be able to make use of a range of software solutions that can develop, enhance and create the most innovative digital design solutions. As a result, Digital Design has become an increasingly important area is prevalent in many areas of everyday life. So there is a need to create an understanding for innovative digital design solutions. On the first day of workshop, spokespersons delivered informative lectures and shed light on various domains of digital architecture around the world and in Pakistan. On the second day, Ar. Quratulain Asghar and Ar. Fatima Javeed introduced Para Cloud Gem (Generative Modeler) and Grasshopper (plugin of Rhinoceros). Participants were later required to submit different modules and population on a mesh with a help of these software. The activity continued on the third day of the workshop as well, giving the participants enough time to probe the newly learned tools. The workshop came to its end with a memorable award ceremony held at the department’s courtyard. Closing ceremony ended with a note of thanks presented by Prof. Dr. Neelum Naz. She highly appreciated UET vice-chancellor Prof. Dr. Fazal Khalid for providing motivation and support for arranging this international workshop. Efforts of Dean, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Prof. Dr. Ghulam Abbas Anjum were also acknowledged in making this workshop a great success. The workshop ended with the hopes of bringing change in the perception as well as attitude towards the growing digital design technology in the field of architecture in Pakistan. At the end of ceremony, worthy Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid distributed certificates of participation and appreciation to the participants and volunteers followed by the souvenirs and shields to the spokes persons, coordinators and the sponsors.
UET Lahore