What I found the interesting part of the chapter is that there are 2 ways to describe the constant matter: to based from topology system (In Manuel de Landa’s description is the Greek philosophers) or to focus on the existence of the form which is the end of the process of morphogenesis. (In the chapter it has been described as “obsessed with the final equilibrium of forms”)

If we use the Rolex learning centre as an example, it can be surmised that there are many option to achieve the final form for becoming part of the ‘urban landscape’. In here to filter the option for the final shape will be the structural analysis and the function of the programs. In this case SANAA were using the diagrammatic way to define the layout of the building, each diagram could fit the definition of the ’ideal virtual singularities’ from Deleuze, but this bottom-up system was form artificially by architects instead of  a self-generative process. It is interesting to compare these 2  Western philosophy with the eastern way for the concern of the conception of matter. the diagrammatic shape made by SANAA is actually trying to simulate the nature but not reveal the true existence, it is more close to the ancient Greek approach of concerning the dynamic flow but more focusing on how to make each divergent moment into the actualization.

For the personal research in the future, it will be nice to investigate the realm of  the variability and richness of material expression which has been forgotten for a long period of time. Today there already exist many research field in biomimetic architectural design, under this there are directions focusing on analysis the structural or geometric mechanism. But It might has more possibility to research the operation of morphology which some might called it excessive, but maybe it has more possibility for discussing the potential of form itself by jumping out from the  parametric logic we will face today in grasshopper or the stereotype that we have been tightened by the classical physics today.

Case study:  House N- Sou Fujimoto

Image fom Archidaily

Reading:  SEAN LALLY- The Shape of Energy

Link- Weathers

For Sean Lally, the architect in the future have to focus on representing the data and the project would be – “strengthening and augmenting the characteristics and properties that both the surrounding environment and architecture share”. This reminds me of the Blur Building from Diller Scofidio. Architecture is about to design the ideal living model based on our ideology. If the form of these subtle energy play an important roll in our future living model, the aim of architect in the future would be how to amplify these data with the interaction of  activities. I wonder would that be too immoderate to said that characterizing the shape of energy is the prior mission in the coming decade?

And for Sou Fujimoto, it shows a similar idea but in different approach. House N, same as EOS Series by Sean Lally, is a clear attempt of how the nature interact with our habitation. But the outcome is different, EOS Series is trying to represent the nature (energy), the achievement of this project can be visually seen, while in House N’s case is more conceptually challenging about the role of nature, the shape of the house might follow the rule of minimalism, but the idea of changing the layout of plan in urban life is powerful.

There are many debate of how form-finding are shallow, if form doesn’t have to follow the function, could it be formulate in an certain order itself ? (in Sean Lally’s case in energy)? The advanced architecture for me is to focus the morphology part but keep under close custody. Would be very interesting for me to have the chance to discuss this issue in the future research.