Photo : http://normandthegang.com/2012/07/05/the-evolution-of-architectural-visualization/ by NORM LI AG+I

Text under study: TOWARD A THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE MACHINES by Nicholas Negroponte 

With the evolution of architecture it can be clearly observed that not only has the architecture developed over time but so has the technology that helps in creating the design.

The technology refers to a number of items that would include materials, techniques and most prominently the digital tools that are used by almost all the architects today.

Nicholas Negroponte envisioned this growth in 1969 in his “towards theory of Architecture Machines” where in he not only anticipated computer aided design but also artificial intelligence.

The idea of the machine proposed is not merely a tool that does redundant tasks those which are already done by the designer. The machine in fact provides useful inputs and aids in the design process. They not only learn from the user but also improvise and evolve with the user themselves. Therefore it acts a means to expand the creativity of the user.

The ability of providing numerous solutions to specific inputs would be through the various assemblies in the system. These assemblies are metaphoric to the architectural design process that every designer goes through.

Good options would be rewarded and enhance the probability of better and optimum results.  Having the ability to challenge and question would add to its capability along with being able to receive inputs from other means such as audio, visual and sensory. The vast information available to us today would hence be easier to grasp. This is also important because local information that is usually fed into system is as relevant as general information that surrounds us, which is ignored in the systems designed today.  Thus the machine would learn by imitating the way humans learn and are influenced by the surrounding.

The idea of using technology beyond a tool may not be that alien to us in the present day and nor are the problems that would arise from it.

The fundamental questions still remain as to whom does the copyright of the output then belong to the man or the machine?  The machine after all is designed by man but will the ultimate credit be given to the man or to the machine that would have a prominent role in the result of the product. If these act as a mean to better designs can it not result in numerous bad designs? Who again would be responsible for these outputs?

Although today a profound relation between the machine and the designer is not prominent in the field of architecture, the existence of this machine in the future is quite undeniable. This would not only ensure a means to enhance creativity but also experience a new kind of architecture with numerous possibilities.

POSSIBLE RESEARCH TOPIC

Understanding parallels between evolution of machines and architecture as a practice. The concept would revolve around redesigning the computer in the field of architecture.

To help comprehend the way in which computers have affected the design process and at the same time how new demands in architecture have forced the creation of new technologies. How they grow to affect each other in terms of the results generated.This would help build more relevant systems that are uniform across borders. Also to understand the expectations the systems have to achieve to be able to assist in the field of design.

Photo : GUHANATARA RESORT, BANGALORE INDIA

Project under study:NEVER NEVER LAND by Architect Andres Jacque

Text under study:FORM AND FUNCTION FOLLOW CLIMATE by PHILLIPPE RAHM and GILLES CLEMENT

Architecture exists within the environment oblivious to the fact whether it chooses to blend within in or remain distinct form it. What also needs to be understood is that similar to its existence it does not alone belong to the people residing or utilizing it but also to the public as a whole for it may not directly influence it but is not isolated from the social, political and financial aspects of the surrounding.

The above can be clearly identified in the project NEVER NEVER LAND by Architect Andres Jacque which clearly focuses on integration with the terrain, providing a financially secure future to the tenants and incorporation to the industrial surrounding.

A strong sense of positional relationship can be seen in the project where in the terrain was mapped in order to protect the natural habitat and avoid destroying and disturbing the natural ecosystem. The building hence meanders through the existing tress and follows the terrain. A system of analogy or metamorphic relations is drawn from the tree structure and the non-conventional distribution of space. The correlation between the nature and the structure also leans towards a slight Intangible relationship to the environment.

Similarly this idea of deprogramming architecture and rethinking the way we design is greatly advocated by PHILLIPPE RAHM and GILLES CLEMENT in their book: “FORM AND FUNCTION FOLLOW CLIMATE”

Here one can understand that for architecture to be a part of the ecosystem it is not just enough to implant into the building new technologies onto older forms but to respond to the new technologies at an early stage.

Just as technology improves so do our habits and activities as a result our requirement and functions also change with time. The function and form specific designs are both rigid in nature due to the fact that as the form persists and functions become redundant and hence no longer suit the current needs.   What is required is a more flexible programme where the function and form maybe the choice of the occupant based on the climatic quality of the space built.

This would system help link needs to the space and provide us with transition from light to darker spaces, cooler to warmer spaces etc. based on the various times of the day seasons and weather conditions.

This ideology takes us back to our origins for example where the courtyard in the desert was designed  mainly as a protection from the harsh sunlight and sandstorm but later grew to be a meeting space, dining area, a light well and now performs multiple functions based on political cultural and social content of the region it is located in. The base of this is rooted in Environmental Relations that refers to systems by energy.

Though driven from our ancestors what needs to be focused on is the use of modern and advanced technologies that would help increase the potential of these designs and not act as add on to the already damaged structure but be an essential part of the same .

The two investigations above show a clear need for a new methodology in architecture that mainly requires us to understand what exists and how to incorporate not only the environment but also the knowledge acquired from the past and present technologies to create a balanced and sustainable future.

POSSIBLE RESEARCH TOPIC:

Analysing the importance of climatic variations required in various regions of an overall space.

As per the above readings I have understood that different spaces generate and require different climatic conditions. The research would aim at understanding how responding to the climate in terms of both form and function would affect the users of the space.

Would this space actually become multi-functional spaces that various people would adapt to for different needs OR would these spaces be overshadowed by mechanical buildings that would provide the same comfort.