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ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF COMPUTER AIDED-DRAWING TOOLS ON CREATIVITY DURING THE CONCEPTUAL STAGE OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS: A PROOF-OF-CONCEPT STUDY

Khawla Mohammedi,Abdelmalek Arrouf

Published 2025 in Veredas do Direito

ABSTRACT

This empirical study is a proof-of-concept that investigates the influence of computer-aided drawing (CAD) tools on creativity during the conceptual stage of architectural design. The used protocol analysis method enables an in-depth examination of the design process through both graphical outputs and cognitive processes. The study uses defined coding schemes and metrics to assess specific creativity indicators derived from protocol analysis quantitatively. Four third-year architecture students were assigned two design tasks: the first involved traditional freehand sketching and the second employed CAD tools. A comparative analysis of the two sets of protocols indicates that an early reliance on CAD tools tends to result in a less creative, more repetitive and mechanical design process. This is in contrast to designs produced exclusively through freehand sketching. Furthermore, a qualitative assessment of the resulting designs by a jury, shows that hand-drawn designs were more creative and original than those produced by CAD-assisted processes. These results suggest that architecture educators should prioritise hand drawing in the initial stages of the design process, introducing digital tools at a later stage, once creative ideas have been developed. This ensures a balanced curriculum that values both approaches. In practice, architects should use CAD strategically after producing an initial hand-drawn sketch to maintain creative and innovative design processes rather than relying too heavily on CAD. These findings emphasise the importance of integrating both methodologies to enhance architectural education and professional practice.

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