LEEFExtending the boundaries of the Design Process

Core ConceptThe objective of the project is to potentially extend the boundaries of model making within the design process. The design process is

one of the aspects, if not the most important aspects, of the architectural practice. Designers develop a design in many

different ways. One of the more common ways is through model making. Although drawings and sketches are important to the

design process, I am more interested in making models in order to develop a design. Model making is often done physically using

various model making materials such as paper, wood, clay. etc. With technology of today, there are 3D programs that are used as a

tool to create models digitally. The research that I will be conducting focuses on how designers interact with physical and

digital model making as well as how they feel about the different processes. There are pros to both, and this project will attempt to

combine the best qualities of both physical and digital model making.

Primary QuestionsHow can architects become better designers?

How can architects stay relevant?

What is lacking in the physical model making?

What is lacking in digital model making?

How can the design process be more immersive?

How can non-designers become creators?

How can architecture benefit from new technology?

MethodologyExperimental Model Making

Interview Architects/Architecture Students

Document research using video

Develop a Rudimentary Software

Beta Test it to both designs and non-designers

Follow up Survey and Interview about the Software

Website PrototypeThis website will showcase the future software as a product.

It will also hold information about the research behind the core concept of the software

It will contain media-rich documentations of the development of the software

It will also have information about the team behind the software

Website PrototypeHopefully, the website will compliment the future software of

“Leef.” It will be able to give information regarding the project. It will also have information that will hold its legitimacy (which is the

research behind the initial project concept). People will browse through the videos and see what it took to develop this software. Maybe in the long run, this website can be a marketing tactic to

distribute the software to potential investors.

Specific FeedbackI would like to know if the website needs to have more information

other than explaining the software and the documentation of research.

How is the overall website design?

Should the software be somehow downloadable from the website?