Design Thinking Proces and New Paradigms of Graphic Expression

It is undeniable that infotechnology has brought significant changes into architectural representation. Whether these changes has altered design conception proccess or are only media matters, is a discussion concerned with the role of graphic expression in architects designs. Is it just a language, or a design thinking tool, fully engaged with the formal solution? Thus, the investigation of the role of represententional systems in the design thinking proccess and the analysis of their intrinsic relationship will approach traditional methods facing the widespread use of Computer Aided Design. There are polemics about the issue: on the one hand, seductive simulations and a plethora of rendering choices available, on the other hand, impersonal expression, to name a few arguments for and against CAD use. Computers have not replaced the straight reciprocity between the acts of conceiving and drawing, between mind and image, which results in manual sketches, quite effective in embodying a design idea. Yet, we have to admit that manipulating complex forms such as Gehry's Guggenheim Museum quickly would not be feasible before CAD advent. We have been faced with new paradigms challenging the graphic expression of architects and urban designers. Besides the consequences of this new reality to design thinking, a crucial point to be stressed at this discussion is the possibility of achieving a balance between the cherished mind-hand intimacy and the available technological resources.