Visualization as a common design language: connecting art and science

A fundamental problem in the building design process is how best to represent the designed object at different stages in the design process, and how best to interact with the partly designed object to refine and optimize satisfaction and performance. Increasingly complex and sophisticated digital representations of architecture are becoming more commonplace. But in some ways the computer has increased the distance, between the designer and the representation of the problem or idea. This paper reflects on the role of CAAD as an interactive counterpart in the design process; taking in some historic parallels and promising contemporary techniques.