Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to describe factors influencing the landscape architect’s use of computer support, and how it affects the professional knowledge. The discussion is based on concepts of design and knowledge, and includes thoughts concerning how the use of computers can be improved. Computer support for landscape architects has many underused possibilities. A profession adopts new tools and methods at a very slow rate, since it builds its identity on the transfer of tacit knowledge. The individual gradually increases his knowledge in interplay with his surroundings. The novice becomes increasingly advanced, competent, and eventually virtuoso. However, the individual can lack prerequisites or interest to become more than novice or beginner in a certain area. If the task is sufficiently important, or the need sufficiently great, man has an in-built urge to enhance his situation by increasing his knowledge. By using critical analysis and instruments, technological man tries to solve the problems facing him. People specializing in problem solving, becoming designers, use their creative abilities and sense of quality. The vision they get when given the task of solving a problem is challenged by the demands and restrictions of the reality, nd by the first attempts to give the vision a concrete form, in the shape of an operative model. The designer has to modify his vision, and his operative model. This goes on until the model no longer can be improved, given the circumstances. Finally, the result is a product – a drawing, a model, a description, or a physical artifact. It is in this flow of thought that most find computer support having limitations. They us information technology to collect data, to communicate, and to make maps and drawings. Few use it to shape their design vision, or to interpret the vision into an operative model. For some, there is a personal resistance against the technique, based on the fact that the computer doesn’t fit their cognitive processes. For most, however, the problem is lack of knowledge and positive role models – they believe that creative computer work is more difficult and expensive than it is. Used correctly, computer support can add qualities to the problem solving that manual methods cannot. Three-dimensional studies of space; photo realistic images of the proposed design; multimedia presentations, combining images, text and sound; image projection on surrounding screen where the peripheral visual sense is put to use; moving images and interactive models; all of these can give the designer as well as his customers new possibilities to explore and assess alternatives, thereby enhancing the decision process.