Visual Input Mechanisms in Textual Programming for Architecture

Abstract

Algorithmic Design (AD) is no longer foreign to architecture and its methodology embraces one of the most recent technological revolutions in the field. This approach lays on Programming Languages (PLs) to define rules and constraints within an algorithm that, in return, generates geometry in modeling and analysis tools. PLs can either be visual (VPLs) or textual (TPLs). In architecture, there is a clear propensity to the use of VPLs over TPLs, due to all the visual features and mechanisms they provide that make programming more intuitive for architects. Nevertheless, and even though TPLs are less appealing to learn and use, they offer clear advantages when dealing with complex programs. Therefore, in order to bring TPLs closer to their users, we discuss, explore, and implement Visual Input Mechanisms (VIMs) in Khepri, a new textual programming tool for architecture.