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The Digital Default

Hovrell, Yonna LU (2026) AAHM10 20261
Department of Architecture and Built Environment
Abstract
A lot of architecture today is designed through the sweeping clicks of a cursor - but what happens when we abandon the pen for the precision of the digital tools? This thesis investigates how the choice of design medium affects the cognitive process and aesthetic outcomes in contemporary architecture.

Through comparative experiments, the study looks at these differences by analysing façades produced via hand sketching and 3D modelling. The results indicate that, although the digital methods give technical precision, they can often lead to constraints due to the program. In contrast, drawing by hand was connected to a more intuitive process, allowing for more intentional artistic choices.

Based on these findings, the thesis suggests a... (More)
A lot of architecture today is designed through the sweeping clicks of a cursor - but what happens when we abandon the pen for the precision of the digital tools? This thesis investigates how the choice of design medium affects the cognitive process and aesthetic outcomes in contemporary architecture.

Through comparative experiments, the study looks at these differences by analysing façades produced via hand sketching and 3D modelling. The results indicate that, although the digital methods give technical precision, they can often lead to constraints due to the program. In contrast, drawing by hand was connected to a more intuitive process, allowing for more intentional artistic choices.

Based on these findings, the thesis suggests a design methodology that emphasizes the importance of tool selection during the initial sketching phase - arguing that by knowing the limitations and strengths of each tool we can make sure that the architecture we create isn’t just by-products of programs, but intentional spaces where every line is a direct result of a deliberate hand. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Hovrell, Yonna LU
supervisor
organization
course
AAHM10 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
façade design, hand drawing, 3D modelling, digital tools, design medium
language
English
id
9237204
date added to LUP
2026-06-15 09:49:06
date last changed
2026-06-15 09:49:06
@misc{9237204,
  abstract     = {{A lot of architecture today is designed through the sweeping clicks of a cursor - but what happens when we abandon the pen for the precision of the digital tools? This thesis investigates how the choice of design medium affects the cognitive process and aesthetic outcomes in contemporary architecture.

Through comparative experiments, the study looks at these differences by analysing façades produced via hand sketching and 3D modelling. The results indicate that, although the digital methods give technical precision, they can often lead to constraints due to the program. In contrast, drawing by hand was connected to a more intuitive process, allowing for more intentional artistic choices.

Based on these findings, the thesis suggests a design methodology that emphasizes the importance of tool selection during the initial sketching phase - arguing that by knowing the limitations and strengths of each tool we can make sure that the architecture we create isn’t just by-products of programs, but intentional spaces where every line is a direct result of a deliberate hand.}},
  author       = {{Hovrell, Yonna}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Digital Default}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}