TACTILE FUTURES

From parametric design tools to the integration of artificial intelligence, architecture appears to be moving in a digital direction. Hand-drafted sketches and other traditional design methods are becoming increasingly rare in the face of the convenience and precision of digital tools. On the flip side, many architects and designers find themselves drawn to a more rustic approach, leaving these modern design tools untouched in favour of artisanal craftsmanship, raw materials and vernacular construction. Where contemporary software and architectural innovation can doubtless speed up the design process and reduce human error by improving precision, low-tech architecture is still appreciated for its inherent sustainability, thoughtful localisation, and preservation of craftsmanship and culture. These two approaches may appear to exist at opposite ends of the spectrum, but there is potential for them to…