The Impact of procedural knowledge retrieval on the architectural design process in parametric design environments

Given the rapid evolution of software, expertise has become increasingly transient forcing architects to keep learning after they have left educational institutions. Furthermore, complex tools such as parametric design environ-ments (PDEs) are getting more popular. To mitigate the lack of expertise, architects can rely on information search systems. Even though, interactive information retrieval (IIR) has a rich literature, it is rarely addressed in ar-chitecture. This paper addresses knowledge retrieval and how it impacts the architectural design process in PDEs. Building on previous work on knowledge types in teaching parametric design, this article aims to bridge theory on IIR and searching as learning with architectural design through the Function Behavior Structure ontology. Data was collected through a long-term mixed approach of questionnaires and interviews during an elec-tive course in computational design for graduate architecture students. Con-trary to teaching, results show self-learning to rely mostly on procedural in-formation which affects reformulation processes.