Joshua Fowler here
speaking toward the digital culture involved in computational design:
Current mainlines
of knowledge already established in regards to computational and parametric
algorithmic design are established through a complex network of inter and
cross-disciplinary channels varying from material science to mathematics to
robotics and more. All of these interdisciplinary factors culminate
within the knowledge base of computational design. Foster + Partners SMG
(Specialist Modeling Group) harness this notion of inter and cross-disciplinary
studies within its group members from such disciplines as fine arts,
mathematics, industrial design, mechanical engineering, building physics,
physical computing, fabrication, and acoustics; melding of such disciplines
opens opportunities for unique design solutions which may not have emerged from
a more traditional, homogeneous group.[1]
An excellent resource for researching the implementations and mainlines of
knowledge is the magazine Architectural
Design. This source's basis explores various architectural design theories,
implementations, etc; with several issues focusing on algorithmic thought,
mathematics of space, material computation, as well as numerous other issues
regarding research directly pertaining to computational design's influence on
architecture, and also contains pertinent case studies for reference.
Current theories relating to computational design lie
primarily in the dialogue between efficiency opportunities and architecture, as
well as the opportunities for vast complexities in the tectonics and aesthetics
of architecture. Generative algorithmic design has proven that it can not only
free architecture from the bonds of fixed catalogs and types, but it also
changes the scope from the production of single objects toward the possibility
of a range of objects.[2]
An additional line of knowledge and theories which lie in the parallel to
variations and evolutionary biology as described in The Architecture of Variation edited by Lars Spuybroek. All of
these theories and lines of knowledge have valuable lessons to gain and
branches of thought which could bifurcate into new lines of thought. Due to the
relatively recent nature of computational design and the implementation of
emerging technologies there are various opportunities which lie ahead for the
dialogue between computation and architecture.
There are several theoretical implementations and points
of view on the subject of generative algorithmic design as mentioned before.
There does, however, seem to be certain subjects which speak to computation
more so than others. Such points of view are established in similar areas of
computation itself such as robotics and engineering, or just about anything
dealing with computers, mathematical equations, matrices, etc. While such
points of view parallel closely with computation, this leaves room for further
exploration into non-traditional uses of computational design. Ideologically
the ideas which this study intends to explore are fields of genetic variation
and its relationship with architecture as well as the reflexivity and
responsiveness opportunities for architecture and its context.
There are several names and iconic works which are
emerging in the field of computational design. It is crucial to the validity of
this study to extensively research the current and past projects and to analyze
the theories and practices of those at the forefront of generative algorithmic
design. The Architecture of Variation edited
by Lars Spuybroek, Explores the relationship between uniformity and variety, in
both an evolutionary and textile standpoint, with an emphasis on computer
numerical control. This is a culmination of the research done by Lars along
with students and research participants at the Georgia Institute of
Technology's College of Architecture. This literature provides prime precedence
for the language spoken between different inspirations of design, specifically
textile, and the extrapolation of that inspiration into computer numerical
controlled models and designs. Some of the language to pull from this
literature is the concept that computation is a tool by which a designer can
utilize to further his/her design and thought process and should not
necessarily be considered as either a starting point or the only aspect of the
design. There must exist the parameters of conscious design input from the
designer and use of computation as a tool in designing rather that treating the
tool as the designer. Additionally, a dialogue between the influence of
patterns and computation also permeates this literature and provides
precedence.
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