Week 15: A Strategy for Advance Building Technology (final)

To what extent is architecture a derivation of technology in contemporary times?

Introduction

Architecture is the art of building in which human need and construction materials are displayed via practical and aesthetic solutions. It can be deemed as a social art and an artful science. Architecture involves the design of buildings, cities and spaces, whilst taking consideration of culture, history and transformation to produce new architecture. The designers (i.e. architects); aim to look at the opportunity in general; taking into consideration of the contextual and societal issues. On the contrary, technologies look into technical and buildability matters with the intention of producing efficient and effective solutions to the design and construction of buildings. With the great influence of technology in the built environment, it influences the architect’s imaginative, behaviours and spatial consideration.

Relationship between Architecture and Technology

One might be interested to differentiate between architecture and technology by separating its jobs and subjects. The technology approach was to deal with the buildability and economical aspects of building, whereas architecture provides satisfaction of the end user. The overwhelming triumph of technology that create satisfying sensual experiences for its users is an example of a new design techniques and material usage that create a new experiential spaces in architecture.

There is no uncertainty that every dwelling requires technology to be built. Even with the most basic ability of handling material in a hands-on move to force it into a build form. Looking into the history of the relation between architecture and technology, the exegesis of architecture has evolved according to each moment in the design timeline. Since the early days of pre-historic times, architecture is defined with the need for a shelter against sun and rain. People use natural instinct to construct shelter using natural resources such as tree branches and mammoth bones. The first discovery of human dwellings was found as early as 30,000 years ago.

Figure 1: The earliest human dwelling made from mammoth bones

http://www.lastdays.com/mysteries/babylon/2motherofharlots/mother19.jpg

As technology advances and so did people’s need; it reflects on the illustration of architecture. Architecture took a different manner when man refined their knowledge on construction techniques and building materials. The advancement of technology further assists man’s creation by allowing them to construct designs with heavy materials using machineries. Artisan and craftsmen then further enhance the aesthetic values of designs by carving in ornaments on the building materials. This short study of architecture timeline shows the relationship of technology as a tool to address architecture needs in all building forms. Therefore architect or builder would incorporate both art and craft in the making process. This includes, from manufacturing of raw materials, to mass production, to assembly and fabrication of building materials.

In my opinion, architecture and its associated technology evolves due to cultural needs.

Architecture in Contemporary Times

Technology Informs Imagination

In the contemporary times of today, technology has been used to highlight the ability of architecture and allow a new definition to it. Technology is an external factor of architecture simply because it is a tool used to go beyond the imagination and to overcome the limitations of building materials and the challenges of the environment. As demonstrated by the approaches from Thomas Heatherwick, current technologies were used to stretch the ability of the commonly practiced constructional building methods of concrete and steel material among others in the quest of achieving his intended design. He incorporated technologies by introducing new constructional materials which made up of everyday object such as seeds and umbrella.

Looking into Heatherwick’s UK Pavillion, he uses technology as a tool to aid his architectural imagination. The phenomenal of utilizing seeds became an idea to create a seed cathedral that fuses the building and content together. Heatherwick wanted to present UK with the perception of knowing London as the greenest city in the world; he then relates trees in the public park, gardens and squares with putting the seeds on show. Technology allows Heatherwick to place the seeds into the acrylic rods on both external and internal wall of the pavilion. As a result, technology transforms a usual; everyday object into an exciting technological design which pushes the construction challenges off the limit.

Figure 2: The fusion of building materials and building content by Thomas Heatherwick

https://www.yatzer.com/sites/default/files/article_images/2173/shanghai_expo_pavilion_heatherwick_studio_expo2010-yatzer_7.jpg

The design intends by Thomas Heatherwick often informed by bits and pieces of details on the building materials that can be touch and analyse. It is used to complement the design intension without being detached from the understanding of architecture and surrounding context. With the initiation of the intellectual mind, Heatherwick allows his imagination to sync with the needs and objectives of the design. Technology as an external factor functioned as a mediator that links the imagination and materials availability. Besides acting as a way to materialize the design ideas, technology also aided Heatherwick in creating an experiential space to enhance and enrich user experience. Technology managed to goes along with Heatherwick’s imagination to extend architecture limitation and introduce new definition of functionality and experiential in architecture.

Technology Informs Vernacular

Vernacular architecture is a domestic and functional building that has a limitation to the extent of its development in terms of its material properties and structural durability. Looking into the material of a bamboo, bamboo is a fast growing renewable material. However, bamboo has its limitation to bear structural loadings, prone to splitting and insect invasion. But, the availability of technology improves the quality of the bamboo through preservation, treatment and amalgamation of components into a composite material.

Several famous architect; for example Vo Trong Nghia from Vietnam and Kengo Kuma from Japan have explored the potential of bamboo for inspiration. They apply the inherent properties of the plant in their works. With the use of technology, it revives this vernacular material to last longer, resistant to natural decay and to be used in larger scale rather than traditional usage. Technology also made this vernacular material possible in order to explore newer forms practicably.

Figure 3: Bamboo architecture goes beyond its limitation

http://binscorner.com/mails/i/incredible-bamboo-architecture/125770870754.jpg

Bamboo is also used in refined architectural or façade treatment or building structure where sunlight is filtered by bamboo as sunshades. The material itself has both economic and ecological advantages in comparison to our standard concrete and steel constructions; thus providing architectural aesthetic and thermal comfort to users.

Technology is truly an athletic tool that revives vernacular architecture which has died down due to its limitations. It also creates a new generation of vernacular architecture in a more flexible version rather of its traditional usage, or new forms made possible by new technologies.

Technology Informs Form

The development of building technology has been in existence since the industrialism era. It inspires new forms of architecture, breaking free from being a tool for architecture into a movement itself; known as the Parametric design.

Parametric design generates tangible presentation of the contemporary computer age. The advancement of the technology today has enabled high speed data processing of data for complex variables and aglorithms via computer-aided design programmes. This execution of form-finding reflects a thought of design within algorithmic parameters. Computer programmes such as Rhinocerous, Sketchup and Autodesk Maya translate coding and algorithms in to a virtual visualized building design form in relation to space organization. Without limiting the imagination of the designers, the computer generates multiple possibilities of complex forms within the limitation of designated parameters.

Architectural technology today has promoted the sharing of cross disciplinary knowledge within the construction industry to provide new innovative solutions to rethink the moulding of spaces. The exploration of the continuous skin by the firsm, Zaha Hadid Architect firm pushed the limits of a certain technology with every project. Specialising in parametric architecture, the firm explores the possibilities of fabric-like design in order to provide fluidity and seamless design for their clients. A mixed method of conventional reinforced concrete framing and space frame design forms the continuous skin building. The aid of computer programmes provides a platform of communication between multi-disciplines to achieve architectural technology innovations and consequently shaping contemporary parametric architecture.

Figure 5: Parametric architecture creates fluidity and seamless effect

http://buildipedia.com/images/masterformat/Channels/On_Site/2011.06.03_Zaha_Hadid_Cultural_Center/Renderings/Zaha_Hadid_Cultural_Center_Renderings05.jpg

Technology Informs Permeability

In relation to my architectural thesis on the ability of architecture as agglomeration to enhance the permeability of a city, architecture may provide a solutions to address various issues on site. Architecture is the result that reflects on the satisfaction of human activity where individual locates oneself in this physical and cultural world; whereas technology is the result of improved built environment.

The project site remains largely undeveloped in the urban city centre. Therefore, considering the relative lack of programmes such as public spaces and facilities; architectural designs are needed to introduce new spatial configurations within the city. The architecture idea of the mixed-use proposal reflects on the opening of the street area to public access and use. It extends the internal programs inside the building towards the street by increasing permeability from one zone to another. In designing the mixed-use building, a radical approach of amalgamating a commercial, cultural and educational centre will be tested. This approach is much inspired by the approach of Thomas Heatherwick’s Google’s Headquarter. The project introduces amusement and life to the program besides providing a diversity of experience to the undeveloped site.

The findings from the issue on site also suggests ways of reviving a city by designing a building as a connector where people are connected under a single roof. Therefore, technology is used to construct huge steel structure with spaces under a layer of protective skin for users to travel from one point to another. Furthermore, technology is able to increase the building’s aesthetics through utilization of specific devoted materials for claddings and solar shading.

The application of architecture and technology in the design for mixed-use building shows a pleasant yet vibrant building as a connector. Architecture has always been initiated by intellectual and critical mind of the designer to fulfil the need from the user. However technology in architecture is subject to reveal the outcome of the final outcome. It is the image from architecture that is being transferred into technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, architecture and technology are inrer-dependent. Each has its own set of cognitive tools for application purposes. As seen through the years from the pre-historic times to the current contemporary days, architecture has been a derivation of technology regardless of how technology is used. But technology may be used in certain stages based on cultural progress. However, the usage of technology in architecture has always been initiated by the intellectual and critical mind of its designer. Therefore, architecture is a derivation of technology that is bound by an intent that is much contained by the designers’ concept. It is being embraced and appreciates as part of the tools to develop architecture.

Week 14: A Strategy for Advance Building Technology (progress)

To what extent is architecture a derivation of technology in contemporary times?

Introduction

Architecture is the art of building in which human need and construction materials are brought to bear in practical and aesthetic solution. It has been described as a social art and an artful science. Architecture involves the design of buildings, cities and spaces, whilst taking consideration of culture, history and transformation to produce new architecture. The designers; Architects, aim to look at the opportunity in general; taking into consideration of the contextual and societal issues. On the contrary, technologies look into technical and buildability matters with the intention of giving out efficient and effective solutions to the design and construction of buildings. The expeditious development in technology has caused various behaviours in designers. It also affects the development of the city’s life. With the great influence of technology in the built environment, it influences the architect’s imaginative and spatial consideration.

 

Relationship between Architecture and Technology

One might be interested to differentiate between architecture and technology by separating its jobs and subjects. The technology approach was to deal with the buildability and economical aspects of building, whereas architecture provides satisfaction of the end user.  The overwhelming triumph of technology that create satisfying sensual experiences for its users is an example of a new design techniques and material usage that create a new experiential spaces in architecture.

There is no uncertainty that every dwelling requires technology to be built. Even with the most basic ability of handling material in a hands-on move to force it into a build form. Looking into the history of the relation between architecture and technology, the exegesis of architecture has evolved according to each moment in the design timeline. Since the early days of pre-historic times, architecture is defined with the need for a shelter against sun and rain. People use natural instinct to construct shelter using natural resources such as tree branches and mammoth bones. The first discovery of human dwellings was found as early as 30,000 years ago.

As technology advances and so did people’s need; it reflects on the illustration of architecture. Architecture took a different manner when man refined their knowledge on construction techniques and building materials. The advancement of technology further assists man’s creation by allowing them to construct designs with heavy materials using machineries. Artisan and craftsmen then further enhance the aesthetic values of designs by carving in ornaments on the building materials. This short study of architecture timeline shows the relationship of technology as a tool to address architecture needs in all building forms. Therefore architect or builder would incorporate both art and craft in the making process. This includes, from manufacturing of raw materials, to mass production, to assembly and fabrication of building materials.

In my opinion, architecture concentrates on technology and needs to understand its capability to create place by cultural means.

Architecture in Contemporary Times

Technology Informs Imagination

In the contemporary times of today, technology has been used to highlight the ability of architecture and allow a new definition to it. Technology is an external factor of architecture simply because it is a tool used to go beyond the imagination and to overcome the limitations of building materials and the challenges of the environment. As demonstrated by the approaches from Thomas Heatherwick, current technologies were used to stretch the ability of the commonly practiced constructional building methods of concrete and steel material among others in the quest of achieving his intended design. He incorporated technologies by introducing new constructional materials which made up of everyday object such as seeds and umbrella.

Looking into Heatherwick’s UK Pavillion, he uses technology as a tool to aid his architectural imagination. The phenomenal of utilizing seeds became an idea to create a seed cathedral that fuses the building and content together. Heatherwick wanted to present UK with the perception of knowing London as the greenest city in the world; he then relates trees in the public park, gardens and squares with putting the seeds on show. Technology allows Heatherwick to place the seeds into the acrylic rods on both external and internal wall of the pavilion. As a result, technology transforms a usual; everyday object into an exciting technological design which pushes the construction challenges off the limit.

The design intends by Thomas Heatherwick often informed by bits and pieces of details on the building materials that can be touch and analyse. It is used to complement the design intension without being detached from the understanding of architecture and surrounding context. With the initiation of the intellectual mind, Heatherwick allows his imagination with regards to the needs and objective of the design. Technology as an external factor functioned as a mediator that links the imagination and materials availability. Besides acting as a way to materialize the design ideas, technology also aided Heatherwick in creating an experiential space to enhance and enrich user experience. Technology managed to goes along with Heatherwick’s imagination to extend architecture limitation and introduce new definition of functionality and experiential in architecture.

Technology Informs Vernacular

Vernacular architecture is a domestic and functional building that has a limitation to the extent of its development in terms of its material properties and structural durability. Looking into the material of a bamboo, bamboo is a fast growing renewable material. However, bamboo has its limitation to bear structural loadings, prone to splitting and insect invasion.  But, the availability of technology improves the quality of the bamboo through preservation, treatment and amalgamation of components into a composite material.

Several famous architect; for example Vo Trong Nghia from Vietnam and Kengo Kuma from Japan have explored the potential of bamboo to get inspired in their designs. They apply the inherent properties of the plant in their works. With a helping hand from the use of technology, it revives this vernacular material to last longer, resistant to natural decay and to be used in larger scale rather than traditional usage. Technology also made this vernacular material possible in order to explore newer forms practicably.

Bamboo is also used in a refined architectural way in terms of façade treatment or building structure where sunlight is filtered by bamboo as sunshades and privacy is kept without preventing daylight to enter. The material itself has both economic and ecological advantages in comparison to our standard concrete and steel constructions; thus provide architectural aesthetic and thermal comfort to users.

Technology is truly an athletic tool that revives vernacular architecture which has died down due to its limitations.  It also creates a new generation of vernacular architecture in a more flexible version rather of its traditional usage, or new forms made possible by new technologies.

Technology Informs Form

The development of building technology has launch since the industrialism era. It inspires new forms of architecture, breaking free from being a tool for architecture into a movement itself; known as the Parametric design.

Parametric design generates tangible presentation of the contemporary computer age. The advancement of the technology today has enabled high speed processing of data for complex variables and aglorithms through computer-aided design programmes. This execution of form-finding reflects a thought of design within algorithmic parameters. Computer programmes such as Rhinocerous, Sketchup and Autodesk Maya translate coding and algorithms in to a virtual visualized building design form in relation to space organization. Without limiting the imagination of the designers, the computer generated design approach generates multiple possibilities of complex forms within the limitation of parameters.

Architectural technology today has promoted the sharing of cross disciplinary knowledge of the construction industry to provide new innovative solutions to rethink the moulding of spaces. The exploration of the continuous skin by Zaha Hadid Architect firm pushes the limit of a certain technology with every project. Specialising in parametric architecture, the firm explores the possibilities of fabric-like design in order to provide fluidity and seamless design for their clients. A mixed method of conventional reinforced concrete framing and space frame design forms the continuous skin building. The aid of computer programmes provides a platform of communication between multi-disciplines to achieve architectural technology innovations and consequently shaping contemporary parametric architecture.

Technology Informs Permeability

In relation to my architectural thesis on the ability of architecture as agglomeration to enhance the permeability of a city, architecture could provide a solution to address various issues on site. Architecture is the result that reflects on the satisfaction of human activity where individual locates oneself in this physical and cultural world; whereas technology is the result of improved built environment.

The project site remains largely undeveloped in the urban city centre. Therefore, considering the relative lack of programs such as public spaces and facilities; architecture design is needed to introduce new spatial configurations within the city. The architecture idea of the mixed-use proposal reflects on the opening of the street area to public access and use. It extends the internal programs inside the building towards the street to increase permeability from one zone to another. In designing the mixed-use building, a radical approach of amalgamating a commercial, cultural and educational centre will be tested. This approach is much inspired by the approach of Thomas Heatherwick’s Google’s Headquarter. The project introduces amusement and life to the program besides providing a diversity of experience to the undeveloped site.

The findings from the issue on site also suggests on the revival of city through designing a building as a connector where people is connected under a single roof. Therefore, technology is used to construct huge steel structure with spaces under a layer of protective skin for users to travel from one point to another. Furthermore, technology is able to increase the building’s aesthetics through utilizing specific devoted materials for claddings and solar shading.

The application of architecture and technology in the design of the mixed-use building shows a pleasant yet vibrant building as a connector. Architecture has always been initiated by intellectual and critical mind of the designer to fulfil the need from the user. However technology in architecture is subject to reveal the outcome of the final outcome. It is the image from architecture that is being transferred into technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, architecture and technology work in par; they do not function as an individual. They have a different set of cognitive tools to play its part that represent their job scope. As seen through the years from the pre-historic times to the current contemporary days, architecture has been a derivation of technology regardless of how technology is used. But technology may be used in certain stages based on situation or progress of the design. However, the usage of technology in architecture has always been initiated by the intellectual and critical mind of the designer. Therefore, architecture is a derivation of technology that is bound by an intent that is much contained by the designers’ concept. It is being embraced and appreciates as part of the tools to develop architecture.

Week 14: A Strategy for Advanced Building Technology (progress)

To what extent is architecture a derivation of technology in contemporary times?

Introduction

Architecture is the art of building in which human requirements and construction materials are brought to bear in a practical and aesthetic solution. It has been described as a social art and an artful science. Architects aim to look at the overall scope which involves in environment and impacts of the society. Architecture involves the design of buildings, cities and spaces, whilst taking account of culture, history and innovation to produce new architecture. Throughout the present century architects have made obsession of technological and scientific concepts out of context. Technology focuses on the technical and buildability with the intention of providing efficient and effective solutions to the design and construction of buildings. The rapid development in technology has caused different attitudes in designers and changes city life. It creates more sustainable designs that respond to the environment. With the increasing weight of technology in the built environment, it influences the architect’s artistic and spatial consideration.

Stereotypical Attitudes towards Technology

Embrace (accept)

Architects embrace technology to raise attention with the client’s economic, functional and structural considerations. Addressing artistic issues in technical manner promises greater success than insisting on artistic integrity. But this embracement of technology always carries the danger of losing architecture altogether. It cannot be denied that the lure of the technical progress has always tempt architects to force technical novelties into their designs, often by claiming that by doing so architecture itself would be transformed. Therefore, popular technical aspects of building like the virtualization of planning, new computer-aided design possibilities, ecological or energy issues are finding their way to the theoretical level. When referring to the matter of architectural theory, this attitude results in an ideology that is not advisable to the building industry to maintain relevance for the profession of architecture while at the same time trying to operate its business. The danger of this approach lies in the blind appreciation of technology. It might turn out to be at odds with the needs of the client and to create meaningful environment by the architect. Justifying building – technology is not what should be of interest in theory of architecture. 

Depreciating (undervalue)

Some architects deal with technology is by depreciating it. For them, technology is understood to be applied to architecture rather than being an integral part of it, no matter how much the importance of the role of technology in architecture is stressed. To those, technology always appears to be some kind of plumbing and therefore circumstantial to the assumed ‘essence’ of architecture. In this situation, the complicated relation between technology and architecture is determined by the assessment that technology is seen as a material required to building but also that it establish a limiting factor to the possibilities of architectural expression that the architect needs to overcome or surrender to. It highlights the trouble that architects face in the process of executing a design.

Summary

These stereotypical attitudes towards technology highlight the importance for architects to take a step back and reconsider the way they deal with technology, There is no denying that technology is as much part of every cultural discipline as it is a cultural discipline in itself and in this regard must be distinguished from other domains like architecture. In my opinion, architecture concentrates on technology and cultural disciplines to understand its capability to create place by cultural means.

Relationship between Architecture and Technology

One might be tempted to distinguish between architecture and technology by simply separating its task and subjects. The task of technology was to deal with the constructive and economical aspects of building, whereas architecture should provide for the aesthetic satisfaction of the customer. The overwhelming success of technology that generates rewarding sensual experiences for its users is as much an example as are new construction techniques and materials that create a new experience of space in architecture. Using the button of a mobile phone to compare with the Eiffel Tower; what then defines and separate architecture and technology today?

Digging into the history of the relation between architecture and technology, we must be aware that even the concepts of these two terms only developed over time. The way we define architecture and technology today is informed by the background of the stage of our cultural progress and therefore cannot be measured by the concepts of architecture and technology of the past.

Sense of Dwelling

There is no denying that every act of dwelling requires some technology even in the most basic sense of handling material in a self-aware move to force it into an intended form. Architecture in its most basic description of ‘self-aware dwelling’ and technology in its most basic description as ‘intentional handling to attain form’ almost instantly evoke the image of the primordial hut’, the theoretical idea of a first house describes as the source of not only architecture but also of technology and even civilization. The art of building and technology were departments of architecture. Technology and architecture as an ‘order of making’ only became distinguished with the canonization of building rules and the calculation of load bearing. Technology is an external factor of architecture simply because there was neither an understanding of technology nor of architecture as distinct cultural disciplines. The architect as the matter builder would incorporate both art and craft. Later in the development of what would then be called technology, tools became defined not by the person that made them or by the inherent magic of their capacity to overcome the limitations of the body and the challenges of the environment, but began to be understood by the task (function) that they could carry out.

Only when technology became detached from sensual perception did it gain a new quality. When still associated with tool-making and magical thinking, technology was, like building, a bodily experience. Technology, gains physical form through human will. In this regard, the object also reflected its creator, thus creating an animated bond between maker and object.
Technology as Tools


With the introduction of tools, technology was set onto a different route that eventually developed into a way of cognition of its own. The personal imprint of the producer diminished ever more in the history of technology, to the point that the work of technology became an endlessly reproducible object of the material world. Tools expanded the possibilities of production and at the same time, not only helped categorize and classify the possible products, but also shaped language in its development towards logic and abstraction. As for technology, the material presence and the practical aspect of its description as an ‘order of making’ keeps it from becoming purely relational in the way language and science are, but in its ability to venture into the relational world, it is easier to detach from individual experience and sense-based perception.

Summary

Architecture is the result and reflection of the human activity of meaningfully locating oneself in the physical and cultural world, whereas technology is the result and reflection of the will to improve or overcome bodily limitations. While the technical invention or discovery is just as much an act of creation as the design of a room, the goal and measure of success in technology is to integrate it into the sphere of science.

Technology in architecture is always subject to the expressive abilities and limitations of architecture. It is the image of technology that is transported in architecture, not technology itself. If the architect lets technology itself overtake the building task, he or she will risk the distinctiveness of architecture and will solely engineer, In this case, he or she will pass the burden on to the user, who might still mentally attach architectural qualities to the building.

If architecture comes from the making of a room, always owns an element of dwelling, it becomes obvious that personal experience cannot be separated from architecture. Sense perception and experience will never be sufficiently described in terms of measurability or rigid scientific terms. It needs a different terminology, different set of cognitive tools to play its part that all symbolic forms compete to achieve.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the only reason how it could be successfully argued that technology is becoming more important in architecture would be if technology contributed to a larger extent to the sense of dwelling as the core value of architecture. Of course, cultural forms can evolve and change over time. This in turn would make the concept of architecture obsolete. But since no change in the perception of architecture, therefore architecture is not a derivation of technology. It is being embraced and appreciate as part of the tools to develop architecture.

Week 13: The Lure of Continuous Skin (final)

In what sense are architects still considered designers as their traditional level of control in the designing process appears to be usurped by software in parametric architecture?Introduction

Designers and architects have gradually corresponded to the conditions of the new computer design tools. These conditions are about reshaping traditional design approach from digital technology. The aim of this paper is to study the rationale for the development of traditional design approach from the new computer design tools.

Current State of Practice

Creative Design in Computing Technology

The unique feature of creative design in computing technology is in its capability of using the computer software to produce complex models from simple inputs. The speed and accuracy of the design process has transformed current drawing and model making structures. Based on the design condition mentioned above, this requires significant knowledge and planning via computer-aided design programmes. According to Birger Sevaldson (2001), control and non-control is a predominant argument regarding the current state of creative design in computing technology. The issue is not restricted to the number of controls in the process but involves giving up certain control to gain advantage from another tool. An additional feature of the use of computing technology is its ability to handle complex data. Birger Sevaldson has identified the design data can be connected into complex systems that act reciprocally when a single element in the system is changed. Therefore, the reformation of the output is automated.

Creative Traditional Design

The growth of the digital creative design has led to a decline on the importance of traditional design skill. Designers with no traditional education base their work using a conscious reasoning of trial-and-error approach. Furthermore, the use of ‘Man-made Knowledge’ (computer design methods) to replace human’s creativeness; has led to parametric attempts. As a consequence, it is derived from the computing input of algorithms. From a traditional viewpoint, human designers have to adapt to computer production human designer. Therefore, computing technology has not entirely replaced contemporary computing technology.

New Design Techniques

Machineries and computer software used during the design process; has not completely eliminated the traditional ways of designing. The only change within the traditional ways of designing is the technical drafting. The current computer technology use computer-aided software such as Rhinocerous, Sketchup and Autodesk Maya. But the use of marker pen sketches, cardboard and form board or clay models are still in use. Meanwhile, the usage of computer has the productivity of the design process. It improves the traditional design process through a richer and greater layered process called, the hybrid process.

The Hybrid Process and its Elements

A good example is the M-velope project by the OCEAN team. Jeffrey Turko; the project coordination of the M-velope, stated the physical space of the project indicates several digital techniques amalgamating them with direct hands-on modelling methods expressing designers’ imagination. The two dimensional building façade is challenged to developed a diverse enveloping shape with appearance, quality and functionality. Building façade is always a skin of a building that only serves aesthetic purposes only. As a result, the designer then generates a thickened entrance accommodating mixed spatial amenities. The designer also wanted to transform the identical experience of interior and exterior into an overlapping of multiple mixed spatial settings. Therefore, the approach came into a process of reconceive of building structures, visibility and functionality in plans. Furthermore, a differentiated visual and acoustic from the streetscape is being expressed. As a result, the concept above suggests a redefinition of the outcome of a building envelope. The envelope structure forms a building façade that express the visual framing connecting the interior and exterior settings; meanwhile the spaces within the structure invites visitors and passer-by to stop and take in the experience at the seating area.

Throughout the duration of the illustrative idea became reality, Jeffrey Turko identified the pre and post rationalisation operations are formed and portrayed through traditional design process. Certain supervision is taken into consideration for generating spatial ideas on the development of the dynamic structures. The hands-on operation and computer modelling then took place in the following process to design and show the concepts of the project. Finally, the computerized model of the installation was then overset into spatialisation data to be computerized into the software.

Mixed techniques were used in the design process together with traditional drawing, CAD and building physical model. Therefore, the hybrid processes involves the switching between media and methods. The information generated is interlinked among the techniques, designers and computer technology.

Figure 1: Creative Design Process from 2D to 3D
http://www.ocean-designresearch.net/index.php/design-mainmenu-39/architecture-mainmenu-40/m-velope

Conclusion

In conclusion, imaginative methods infused by computer technology have created a composite, including all the extremes area and diversity in the design processes. Computer technology has not replaced all existing design techniques; but has expanded various ways of working with designs. In addition, it inspires designers to develop on traditional design techniques that can still be used in certain stages. This in return shows to a more complex and diverse creative processes. As a result, a new approach of creativity is now happening in the digital design era.

Week 12: The Lure of Continuous Skin (progress)

In what sense are architects still considered designers as their traditional level of control in the designing process appears to be usurped by software in parametric architecture?

Introduction

Designers and architects have gradually adapted to the new digital design tools. Most of the adaptation process is about reshaping traditional approach to take advantage from the digital technology. But digital technology provides an opportunity to rethink the design process under certain circumstances where our idea of visual imagination is interrogated. The intention of this paper is to investigate the necessity for a development of the traditional design approach to take advantage from the digital design computing. It focuses on design techniques in correspondence to creativity.

Current State of Digital Practice

Creative Design Computing

A fundamental feature of creative design computing relates to the capability of the productivity of the machine to produce complex models from a simple input. The speed and accuracy transfigure design process that had previously only been practical in laborious painstaking drawing and model making into a condition of spontaneous design. This type of design would require a significant planning and the output would be greatly influenced by material conditions. Control and non-control is a central theme in this paper. The issue is not restricted to the amount of control in certain phases of the process but it requires in giving up control in one aspect in order to gain greater control elsewhere. This loss of control comes in handy with the use of digital computing that produces a large amount of unexpected output. An additional important feature of the use of computer is its ability to handle complex data. The design data can be connected into complex systems that act reciprocally when we alter a single element in the system. Therefore, the reformation of the output is automated.

Creative Traditional Design

Based on the circumstances mentioned above, the creative design has consequently led to a temporal decline of the importance of traditional design skills; thus, to the appearance of the new generation of designers with no traditional education. These designers base their work using a conscious reasoning of trial-and-error operation. Also the operation by the sub-culture seems to be habitual with assembling and recycling of graphical material. As a result, there are many distinct arguments for ways of operation. This issue spans from a viewpoint based on Artificial Intelligence to replace human creativity; leading to parametric approaches where the result is derived from the computing input of parameters. From a tradition design methodology viewpoint, human designers have to adapt to digital production techniques to produce an unexpected output that would compost the design process. This process would still be observed and controlled by the human designer.

New Design Techniques

However, the introduction of digital gadgets into the design process has not completely eliminated the traditional ways of designing. Irregular issue such as technical drafting; is now almost entirely done on the computer. But marker and pen sketches, cardboard and foam or clay models have not disappeared. Meanwhile, the usage of computer has expanded into many techniques. This is a inclusive shift in the expansion of the design process. The use of multiple approaches is already an actual everyday life discipline. This design process has extended to a prosperous and greater layered process, called the ‘hybrid process’.

The Hybrid Process and its Elements

An example was taken from the M-velope project by the OCEAN team because the design illustrates the hybrid process. The physical space of the project demonstrates several of the digital techniques amalgamating them with physical modelling techniques expressing a professional boundaries. The project challenge the idea of the two dimensional building façade through the process which consists of several interrelated activities of multiple and diverse enveloping shape with regard to its appearance, quality and functionality. The designer then generates a thickened entrance with the outcome contributing mixed spatial amenities. They wanted to transform the identical experience of interior and exterior into an overlapping of multiple mixed spatial settings. This approach turns up a need for rethinking the question of structures and daylight in plans. Furthermore, a differentiated visual and acoustic from the streetscape is being articulated. This suggests a redefinition of what forms a building envelope. The structure forms a building façade that express the visual framing that connects the interior and exterior setting. At the same time, the outer surrounding areas enable a seating area for visitors and passer-by to stop and take in the experience.


During the illustrative concepts became apparent, pre and post-rationalisation strategies are developed and described through traditional design process. Particular care is taken in the development of the spatial concepts for the development of the dynamic structures. The physical and digital modelling then took place in the following process. It was the main gadgets to create and to manifest the concepts of the project. Finally, the digital model of the installation was then translated into spatialisation data to be fed into the software.


Different categories were applied in the design process in various ways combining with traditional drawing, CAD and physical model building. The hybrid process implies through the switching between media and methods. The change between ways of working and media has the ability to increase progression and to look into various aspects of the design to resolve issues. The hybridization strategy proposed to take full advantage of each techniques and methodology. Therefore, the information generated is channelled among the techniques involved, designers and computer technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the materializing creative techniques inspired by computer technology have led to a more complex, inclusive and diverse design process. The computer technology has not replaced all existing design techniques; but it somewhat expand the scope and the availability of ways of working with design projects. On the contrary, it inspires designers to develop prosperous and diverse approaches where the traditional design techniques can still be used in certain stages. This again leads to more complex and manifold creative processes. The combination of approaches and technologies has a possibility to enrich the creative design process, mainly if the use of the hybrid process has started. As a result, a new approach of creativity is really transpiring from the digital design.

Week 12: The Lure of the Continuous Skin (progress)

In what sense are architects still considered designers as their traditional level of control in the designing process appears to be usurped by software in parametric architecture?

Introduction

Designers and architects have slowly adapted to the new digital design tools. Most of the adaptation process is about modifying traditional techniques to benefit from digital technology. But digital technology offers the possibility to rethink the design process even to a degree where our conception of visual creativity is questioned. The intention of this paper is to investigate the preconditions for an expansion of the traditional design techniques and to invent, explore, develop the systematic techniques that are developed to draw advantage from design computing. It focuses on design techniques in relation to creativity.

Current State of Digital Practice

a. Creative Design Computing

A central aspect of creative design computing is the generative potential of the machine in the ability to produce complex models from relatively simple input. The speed and accuracy transformed design activities that had previously only been possible in laborious painstaking drawing and model making into a state of spontaneous design. This type of design would require considerable planning of the process and the output would be greatly influenced by material conditions. Control and non-control is a central theme in this paper. The question is not limited to the amount of control in certain phases of the process but it involves in giving up control in one aspect in order to gain greater control elsewhere. This loss of control comes from the use of generative computing that produces a large amount of unanticipated output. An important characteristic of the computer is its ability to handle complex data. The design data can be interlinked into complex systems that interact when we alter a single element in the system. Therefore, the regeneration of the output is automated.

b. Creative Traditional Design

This has consequently led to a temporal decline of the importance of traditional design skills and to the appearance of a new generation of designers with no traditional education. These designers base their work on an intuitive trial-and-error process. Also the sub-cultural aspect seems to be strong with collection and recycling of graphical material. As a result, there are many different arguments for such a way of working. They span from a perspective of Artificial Intelligence to replace human creativity, to parametric approaches where the result from a computational process is derived from the computing of certain input parameters. From a perspective of design methodology, human designers have to adapt to technology generative techniques to produce an unanticipated output that would fertilise the design process. This process would still be monitored and controlled by the human designer.

New Design Techniques

The introduction of digital tools into the design process has not really removed any of the more traditional ways of working. Exceptions are technical drafting, which is now almost entirely done on the computer. But marker and pen sketches, cardboard and foam or clay models have not disappeared. At the same time computer-use has expanded in many directions since the beginning. This is a generic trend in the development of the design process. The use of diverse techniques is already a reality in our everyday life as practitioners. The design process has expanded to a richer and more layered process, called the ‘hybrid process’.
The Hybrid Process and its Elements

An example was taken from the M-velope project by the OCEAN team because the design illustrates the hybrid process. The physical space of the project demonstrates several of the digital techniques combine them with physical modelling techniques across representational and professional boundaries. The project challenge the notion of the two dimensional building façade through the deployment of multiple and varied enveloping conditions by producing a thickened threshold with the outcome offering varied spatial provision. They wanted to transform the homogeneous experience of inside and outside into an overlapping of multiple interior and exterior heterogeneous spatial conditions. This approach arises a need for rethinking the question of structures and daylight in plans. Furthermore, a differentiated visual and acoustic from the streetscape is being articulated. This suggests a redefinition of what constitutes a building envelope. The structure constitutes a building façade that articulates the visual framing that connects the interior and exterior setting. At the same time, the outer peripheral areas enable a seating area for visitors and passer-by to stop and take in the experience.

During the descriptive concepts became apparent. Pre and post-rationalisation strategies are developed and described through traditional process. Particular care is taken in the development of the spatial concepts for the development of the dynamic structures. The physical and digital modelling then took place in the following process. It was the main tool to create and to manifest the concepts of the project. Finally, the digital model of the installation was then translated into spatialisation data to be fed into the software.

Different categories were applied in the design process in various ways combining with traditional drawing, CAD and physical model building. The hybrid process implies through the switching between media and methods. The switching between ways of working and media has a potential to speed up the progress and to look into various aspects of the design to overcome issues. The hybridization strategy intends to take full advantage of each techniques and methodology. Therefore, the information generated is channelled between the different techniques and between designers and computer technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the emerging creative techniques inspired by computer technology have led to a more complex, inclusive and varied design process. The computer has not replaced all existing design techniques, but rather widened the scope and the available ways of working with design projects. On the contrary, it inspires designers to develop richer and move varied approaches where the traditional ways of working are part of a whole. This again leads to more complex and manifold creative processes. The combination of techniques and technologies has a potential to enrich the creative process, especially if the exploitation of the hybrid process have started. As a result, a new type of creativity is indeed emerging from digital design.

Week 11: Rhinoceros Session

First Session

Basic setting up, keying commands and playing around with forms.

Second Session

Building modal from plans.