Re: Intelligent Interior Design

This month's Progressive Architecture has a good article about using
computers to design "with" the client. The subject architect takes his
proposed scheme on disk to the client and presents it on a laptop driving
a remote screen. The client can then critique it and suggest changes that
the architect can implement for evaluation. Of course, the architect
cautions that one must be comfortable doing "design on the fly," must warn
the client that the changes could change again once it goes back to the
office. Also, this architect adds that it is a good idea not to reveal too
much about how the software is used, or exactly what is happening. This
keeps the "hocus-pocus" level high and helps maintain the architect as the
more powerful of the participants.

In response to Randy, I'd have to say that the computer can be an
EXTREMELY persuasive tool, especially with the ability to do virtual model
walk-throughs and the like. In terms of the designer/client relationship,
I think the computer has only some impact, as the humans are the ones
controlling it. If the arch. lets the client learn too much about the process,
he or she has surrendered quite a bit of the power.

Mark