Digital fabrication as an approach for innovative architecture education

Abstract

This paper tackles the argument of how digital fabrication is a game changing approach in architecture education. Digital fabrication is ubiquitously paced in all learning processes. It is rapidly becoming an important part of architecture education worldwide, and it can tackle architecture and urban design at all stages. This paper is essential for architecture track educators as it shows how to patronize a profound perception of digital fabrication processes among students, particularly architecture track students. The paper builds on the methodology, the application, the findings, and outcomes of a designated digital fabrication workshop for architecture track students with a non-grounded knowledge base of digital fabrication paradigm. The workshop grew out of the Smart and Future Cities Laboratory for Sustainable Urban Solutions (SFCL), which was established in the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams university in 2020 and is funded by STIFA. The workshop followed the design thinking approach the workshop aimed to discuss recent digital technical advances in design and fabrication, as well as the remarkable potential they have brought for architectural design and production practices. It investigates the implications of new digital design and fabrication processes enabled using rapid prototyping (RP) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies through new pedagogy concepts and Scaffolding neophyte Students’ Learning methods. The entire workshop with its applied methodology builds a justified architectural mentality among students. It brings up students that are product oriented. Digital fabrication encouraged students' creativity and customization.