Architecture is the art of designing and constructing buildings. From looking at that alone, it probably requires some technical drawing skills, a lot of engineering knowledge, and some creativity. But you’d never assume that an architect needs to know how to program; after all, the very first ones didn’t.

However, in the modern age, things are so significantly different, as the average architect plots their designs and ideas in software. You can get by without knowing how to program, but there are many reasons why architects should learn to code. I’ll take you through six programming languages that can come in useful, and how they do.

The Intersection of Architecture and Coding

The year is 2024, and in this age, more things than you can imagine have gone digital. Architecture is one of them. If you’re an architect, you probably recognize that you have to boot up your powerful computer and open software to get to designing; it’s just the way things are now.

These days, knowing programming can help immensely as you create more complex models. For instance, knowing code can help you construct shapes and components that would be arduous to create manually. You can also use programming languages to manage and analyze architectural data for more insightful designs. Even AI has its usefulness in architecture and design.

Python: The Versatile Language for Architects

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. The disciplines that it can be put to use in are vast, from data science to back-end web development and now architecture. Yep, that’s right, architecture can make use of Python too, and the best part is I consider it one of the easier languages to learn.

You know Rhino, that CAD software? You can add a lot of custom functionality to it with scripting, and the best language to equip yourself with for these purposes is Python. It can help you create additional components in the software, create complex geometry, and even help with data transfer to other applications or platforms.

JavaScript: For Interactive Web-Based Models

You might be familiar with JavaScript as a language used mostly for web development, so it’d be natural for you to be confused as to how it could come in useful as an architect. Well, JavaScript’s typical use case is a hint here! When it comes to programming for architects, JavaScript is the choice if you want to build interactive models hosted online.

This is perfect if you want a building model on an architecture firm’s website that users will be able to interact with, whether stripping down the layers, rotating it, and more. It is also a highly compatible language that will behave as desired in most browsers.

C#: Essential For Unity and 3D Simulations

I am familiar with Unity, which I used for game development back in the day, and using it, I had to get the hang of C#. It wasn’t that difficult admittedly. Unity isn’t exclusively for game development though, and can work beautifully when it comes to making interactive applications and simulations.

Similar to the utility of JavaScript in this, C# can be used to make interactive architectural experiences. Unity can make it easy to build VR and AR experiences (one of the current visualization trends in architecture), as well as to simulate environmental conditions and how a building might perform under them. If you want real-time visualizations instead of just a sheet of data, this works nicely.

Ruby: Streamlining Workflow in SketchUp

Ruby isn’t one of those programming languages that every coder you know knows, but it is hard to call it unpopular though. It’s another one of those languages you should consider learning if you want to go through the best programming languages for architects. Ruby’s major utility comes in if your CAD program of choice is SketchUp.

With the SketchUp Ruby API, you’ll be able to create custom scripts and plugins for things to work exactly the way that you want in SketchUp. One very notable application of this is how you’ll be able to get repetitive tasks (which are annoying but not very difficult) done with a script, AKA batch processing. It’ll also help you streamline your workflow by being able to create tools and interfaces that work around your specific needs.

Grasshopper and Dynamo: Visual Programming for Architects

If you’ve never heard of Grasshopper or Dynamo, I wouldn’t be entirely surprised. Each of these is a visual scripting plugin, with Grasshopper being for Rhino and Dynamo for Revit. Which one you should jump into depends on which CAD you use.

If you’re using Grasshopper, you’ll find that it is best when trying to create complex shapes. In fact, I’d reckon that Grasshopper in Rhino provides the fastest way to create intricate free-form shapes and surfaces, especially since it supports parametric modeling, which can make modifying your architecture lightning fast. 

Dynamo is in a similar boat, just that it is for Autodesk Revit instead. It also supports parametric modeling, which I think most architects will find hard to leave behind once they’ve explored it.

SQL: Managing Architectural Data

I know a bit of SQL myself from learning data science and it is unambiguous about what it is for. Anywhere you see SQL, data management must be involved. When it comes to coding in architecture, you should only learn SQL if you want to deal with data. 

Basically, learning SQL as an architect isn’t related to the actual design process but the management of the data that arises from your projects. It makes it easier to manage databases related to population or building data, especially when trying to pull data related to zoning, environmental conditions, economic variables, and so on. No need to pore over massive databases when you know SQL!

Conclusion

The importance of digital skills for architects can’t be understated in 2024. Right now, things are moving to a point where just knowing how to use CAD software isn’t enough to differentiate you from the crowd or architects. Adding any of these programming languages into your workflow can be incredibly valuable.

It can be a little daunting at first, but with the right courses and tutorials, getting started isn't an impossible task. Jump right in and add a programming language to your portfolio.