Photographic essence about the network society and architecture.

The author defines the creative exploitation of the design systems employed as rules or guidelines of Parametricism, labelling it a style. In this way they are implying that animation, simulation, form finding, modeling based on a measurable factor (i.e. parameter) and scripting are elements that must be consistent in each parametric project. However, paradoxically the text outlines the guidelines as design techniques.

When design problems are encountered it is within the architect’s skill to find relationships in order to drive the proposal. This is before the aesthetic has even been discovered. The text confuses the reader regarding the nature of design and the nature of aesthetic, the latter being applicable to the notion of style, as opposed to the tools that Schumacher insists comprise it.

Schumacher states that Parametrism is the avant-guard style that follows Modernism. It maybe the case if one considers Modernism also as an approach to design. Le Corbusier said that, “The architect (…) realizes an order which is a pure creation of his spirit (…) he determines the various movements of our heart and our understanding (…) we experience the sense of beauty.” This notion expresses the ephemeral journey that is explored in the design to arrive at an elegant solution, which is common in both Modernism and Parametricism.

On the other hand regarding Modernism, the guidelines of Modernist International Style are focused on vertical and horizontal lines, free plans, and pilotis. On that note the guidelines expressed in the text about parametrics are not set in stone principles regarding an aesthetic, or archetypal prototype. However the application of Parametricism in the urban fabric creates very distinct, morphological characteristics. Parametricist urbanism accentuates the correlations between multiple systems, such as fabric modulation, street systems, and systems of open spaces. Thus the instrumental process of relativity and organization of spaces, lends itself effectively into the urban and macro framework as an aesthetic.

The author imposes his ideas on the reader. This is demonstrated in his use of negative and positive heuristics, which is a paradox in itself because to be heuristic is to be exploratory, to push outside of the limits. The relevance of parametric modeling is instrumental in the process of changing and observing possibilities in a design scheme. Schumacher is overlooking the actual potential of parametricism to aid in the process of creating new paradigms.

Furthermore the complex information and systematic nature of problem solving involved in parametricism relates to the premise of Manuel De Landa’s studies on the network society. It’s characteristics relate to the multidimensionality and reliance of technology that the network society is based on, creating a systematic density. Architects study the dynamics, constraints and possibilities of an element, finding lines of inquiry that are points of connection, in an attempt to propose an interactive solution in our society’s structure. A possible research inquiry of interest to find the lines of interaction between density and spatial notions of poverty, in a rhyzo-manner so as to establish the root idea and notions of multiplicity.”

To conclude where relational logic provides a systematic framework of theories and ideas, digital logic analyses and explores parameters for both conceptual and design processes, from previously inputed information. Thus informing the relevance of parametricism as a design development tool.

In this subliminally predictive text, Sou Fujimoto lists a series of words that relate to qualities of architectural design, with regard to the practice of architecture in the future. The author does not organize the ideas in a particular order or in specific categories. This reveals how Fujimoto expresses the intertwined connections and links between the ideas discussed, where an understanding of this can be appreciated as the text develops.

Fujimoto makes a prediction. In the future places will allow people to discover them despite the fact that topography is not a possibility in the urban framework. A factor in this envisioned future must be defined in order to allow people to seek out opportunities in urban realities. Re-humanizing urban space through a quality such as light, and exploring ways to maximize sustainability and improve livability in the city, driving awareness and interest in city dwellers, urban planners and developers.

Architectural possibilities exist in-between different places, different times of the day, different sizes and scales of environments, and different periods of motion. This idea demonstrates a merger of functional and recreational spaces in architecture.

Locale is finding opportunities in a place that has qualities that promotes desirability but is not yet prepared to inhabit in. Essentially it is a place found in natural (or urban) realities as they are, thus connecting desirability to other somethings (or nothings). These ideas fall under the umbrella of the realm of possibilities, the unspecified qualities of a promising nature that is within the scope of an architect to design and develop.

The idea that objects of spatial and temporal dimension are mutually intertwined in various relationships. Different fields of investigation come together and connect to form common ideas, yet diverging and involving themselves with other concepts, ultimately finding and establishing connections due to the exponential growth of information.

Architecture is a single space, where all things are connected and detached in a network of concepts relating to and with spatial and digital parameters. The idea that the small scale is connected to the big scale and vice versa. For example the smaller part strives to impose its ideas with the whole, and the whole is contained within the part.

The notion of how things were connected together before the divide involves deciding upon the elements that divide two qualities or more, and defining the way in which those specific elements came together before. It forces a sense of connectivity in order to offer a basic level of comfort and efficiency. Furthermore the relationship between uncertainty and lucidity co-exist, thus this notion of in-between forging ties of connection.

A tree diagram represented as a simple childlike drawing contains many regulated things. This idea of using a lot of information to create simple structures, frameworks to fit all the information in a tree like diagram. Here, common ideas introduce the notion of simplicity.

The ideas discussed above  relate to connectivity, the state of being connected or interconnected. This is when two ideas are brought together to form a real link, in addition to physically providing lines of access and communication.

The sum of architectural possibilities and connectivity results in this idea of interaction, where reciprocal actions work together in such a way that two or more things have an effect on each other.

Inside and outside as an approach to creating contrasting spaces considering beauty and comfort. The definition of enclosure without having a physical barrier, yet playing with dense and concentrated environments, such as trees in a forest. It contributes, brings awareness and also creates open and closed spaces.

On top of that a house is a place for people to live. This typical object interacts with outside spaces through the use of tricks, transforming nature to connect with the city. This idea of fusing inside and outside results in the creation of in-between spaces known as gardens, verandas and intervals in architecture. These are places of scenic views and diverse environments that are manipulated by people, designers and architects primarily. This is very apparent in Japanese architecture, Fujimoto observes.  Fundamentally the exterior envelope establishes the relationship between inside and outside.

Interaction is thus the practice of designing products, environments, systems and services. It is interested in form but the main focus is on behavioral traits. The synthesis and imagining of things as they might be, and what they could become in order to satisfy the needs and desires of its users, occupants.

Relational logic provides a systematic framework, where the exploration of site physical features are observed and quantified. This approach allows the establishment of links between the various features to be defined, thus leading into the stratification of proposals considering spatial (and temporal) solutions.

Personal Interest (Line of Enquiry) 

A research inquiry to find lines of interaction between density and spatial notions of poverty in the struggle to diminish poverty in Luanda’s metropolis.   The qualities of density refer to lack of space and too many people in a given area. Spatial compensation must be offered. This can be done by observing what an area lacks and what an area needs in order to secure the necessities of life, becoming a place of social meaning. In addition, the resources that are offered in a particular area (may) facilitate the notion of self sufficiency via architectural solutions regarding the management of local resources.  Meanwhile, poverty occurs in remote rural areas and spatial poverty traps. The latter is related to marginal areas which are less favored politically, or areas which are weakly integrated into the urban environment.