THEORY OF ADVANCED ARCHITECTURE – DIGITAL LOGICS

ANALYSIS OF CASE STUDY: ROLEX LEARNING CENTER, LAUSANNE

A space designed for people to explore and interact by walking, exploring and choosing their own comfort zone to work, read, interact and rest. The undulated floor in the interior generates a form that plays with human movement, by creating smooth curved ramps and with each space overlooking to the flat landscape around. Daylight is the most important factor considered while designing this learning center. Although the curves, load bearing capacity of the roof and floor, rigidity of the structure were tested through digital tools, the building does not merge with the space around.

ANALYSIS OF TEXT: De Landa, M. Deleuze and the Genesis of Form

The text helps us in exploring the myth that persisted in the western philosophy in regard to ‘form’. It gives us an insight about what the western philosophers considered ‘matter’ to be. They believed that material had hardly anything to do with the derivation of the form. Conceptualization of form was also given a spiritual / divine connection. It was stated that any natural shape / form was not a result of science but was creation of God. I feel that this might be the reason for the growth of ‘organic architecture’. Taking inspiration from natural forms and substituting the original material, we tend to prove that material has hardly anything to do with the formation of natural forms. We tend to treat form as a creation of God.

But, Deleuze had a different take on it, he said that the process of achieving a form is very endogenous and is within the material itself. According to him, there is a constant reaction taking place between different forms of matter and they tend to react endogenously and exogenously. I feel that, this process of deriving form is more logical and is very natural. This process always creates a balance between materials and forms. But, the modern theory of “far from equilibrium” theory suggests that the materials should be left imbalanced so that they react and a new form emerges. Such a process is also natural, but I think, it’s not a controlled one.

“The genesis of form” is very well described and categorized by Deleuze, 1) Strata (homogenous materials) and 2) Self – consisting aggregates (heterogeneous materials). I feel that strata are more simplified processes than the latter one. But, self-consisting aggregates tend to be more sustainable, as different materials / matter settle and react with one another over time, this provides more stability to a given structure / form.

TOPIC OF PERSONAL RESEARCH: Form Follows Function

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I have always believed that conceptualizing a given design has three approaches. 1) Form follows function, 2) Form and function are one and 3) Function follows form.

I personally feel that “form” helps creating the aesthetics, while function addresses practical issues. Given a design, I feel it’s very important to create habitable spaces which will provide comfort and pleasant atmosphere to the ones residing / occupying / utilizing that space. Form will add to the beauty quotient of that space, but it won’t solve practical issues of the users. For that, functionality is of utmost importance. With a practical approach, where functions are given priority, form tends to fit in perfectly, thus giving a better looking functional space. While a form oriented space might have to compromise with the functionality.

Ayaan Barodawala

B2, E4

Iaac MAA01 2014-15