In his article “The Shape of Energy”, Sean Lally advocates for a new architecture that is based on “material energies”. We are constantly surrounded by different energies – thermodynamic, electromagnetic, acoustic, chemicals – and we take them for granted, but in reality the role which they play in our lives and in influencing our behaviours are just as, if not more important, than our concrete environment. Material energies create boundaries that are fluid and responsive, resulting in a vernacular that is intimately connected to both regional and climatic conditions.

So how would one apply these intangible energies? Unfortunately, while he brings up some very interesting points, Sean Lally has failed to address the practical application of his ideations. One cannot just take energy and build with it. Humans exist in the physical domain, and we do not have a physical grasp on energy. In order to use something as a building block, one must first gain an intimate understanding of the material at hand, and while we may have an intuitive sense of different energies since we are surrounded by and interact with them on a daily basis, we are a far cry from being able to control them, not to mention manipulate them for careful study and experimentation, and eventually incorporate them into our architectural realm.

What I find fascinating is the physical manifestation of energy. Every energy somehow influences the physical environment. Tree wells form because heat generated by trees melts the surrounding snow, and compass needles point north because of the Earth’s magnetic field. Paying attention to changes in the physical environment provides information about surrounding energies as well as changes in energy conditions. A person putting on a sweater might signify a drop in temperature, while the same person, now reading a book, moving from one room to another might suggest an increase in noise or a decrease in light in the former space. By observing such changes in our environment, one can gain much insight into the invisible forces that surround us.

Another compelling thought is that architecture based on material energies would be able to adapt almost instantaneously to changes in the environment or in social programming. Through a feedback relationship between material energies and existing climatic context, an active dialogue would emerge between a building’s environment and its building blocks, with architecture that can either “dissipate on command” or respond accordingly in its shape and configuration. Of course, such a fluid reality is still far away.

It is interesting to view Sou Fujimoto’s House N in light of material energies. The house itself is purist and minimalistic, and in the physical domain it might seem like a purely spatial exercise – that is, three shells nested one inside the other. However, it is not just the walls that create an increased sense of privacy and separation as one moves deeper into the house; the change in light, sound, view planes, temperature, bodily sense of enclosure, etc. all contribute to the gradient that exists through the spaces.

I am of the strong opinion that so long as we do not transgress the physical nature of our corporeal existence, neither will our architecture. However, this does not mean that we cannot study and become more in tune with the forces that we cannot readily control, because we can certainly shape existing energies with solid-state building materials. An example that comes to mind is Philippe Rahm’s Convective Apartments, in which the architecture is designed according to the principle of convection. In this case, it is the existing thermal landscape that has shaped the resulting configuration of the building’s solid elements. Even though the architecture remains static and potentially iconic in its form, this is the first step towards an architecture informed by energy. I would be interested in examining such basic physical and climatic principles in order to generate systematic, vernacular designs that directly reflect their environmental conditions.

http://cloudatlas.wikia.com/wiki/Neo_Seoul

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.

Critical Analysis: House N, Oita, Japan – Sou Fujimoto

Image Source – http://tectonics.urbarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/house-n-3.jpg

A home for 2 plus dog. It seeks to blur the barriers of distance and separation, to satisfy privacy despite having a zero setback from the street. A nest within a nest, within a nest. The outermost box contains a yard, wooden deck, trees and garden space. The middle box contains the bathroom, interior space while the innermost box holds the bedroom, dining and living area. The trees are minimalist decoration against a white background. The intention in three dimensions overcomes the outdoor space in a number of frames that have no apparent purpose other than to exist. The structure is heavy and stands out against the neighbourhood in pristine white. The form communicates a lack of flexibility to adapt to a varied functionality.

Reading: The Shape of Energy – Sean Lally

Image Courtesy – http://payload286.cargocollective.com/1/10/323023/8035963/LALLY-Energy-Shape-Diagram_A_440.jpg

Outside of the static boundaries of stone, steel and glass there are boundaries in constant flux. They work in a feedback relationship with the climatic context. If architecture could go beyond mediation and these electromagnetic, thermodynamic, acoustic and chemical could be controlled and employed could they form another dimension to the physical context? Imagine if architecture could then amplify, strengthen and augment characteristics of particles and waves. It would create demarcations that are sudden and possibly geometric.

Architectural shape is a constant state of feedback between the environment and the system it produces. There is an energy balance equation where additional occupants affect the energy system. This is an open system that is affected by climate, physical boundaries and occupants. As external physical properties of surroundings fluctuate, architecture produced through amplification intensifies or abates to maintain a specified series of boundaries that are unique to the solid state.

Energy systems exist beyond the visible spectrum and require tracers to run in parallel to inform our senses similar to how condensation on a window indicates humidity or particles in air indicate harmful gas leaks in industrial plants. They can convey an image of architectural space by which we can recognise and commodify these energy systems. Shapes communicate intentions but a volume embodies uniquely different properties in different locations. Our ecosystems are dynamic and non- linear and are characterised by frequent disturbances. The existence of architecture in any working state is contingent on maintaining a balance in this system for as long as possible. Shape succession may hold boundaries and shift notion of stasis and could allow for buildings to survive earthquakes. The dialogue between action of people and character of spaces shape our social experiences. These experiences are a result of the direct contact between people, goods, social trends of economy, politics and communication that influence and re-inform each other.

Possible Research Topic – Water

Image Courtesy – http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2o57awLQB1qfequao1_500.jpg

As a possible topic of research I would like to look at using water to define spaces. As one of the few materials that can exist as solid, liquid and gas it can be manipulated to produce mist sprays, steam, ice and cascades that can occupy a volume or accent a line of form for an instant or a lifetime. It can appear romantic and violent and create impact as well as suggest a mood. I think as a material, its potential  has been exploited only on the surface, of it’s infinite abilities to realize our dreams.

Photo: Compass Table by Dunne and Raby (2001)

http://www.dunneandraby.co.uk/content/books/90/0

The House N of Sou Fujimoto may appear only an example of minimalist architecture, but it encompass a richer discussion of the relationship of men and nature. It could be an example of how the japanese culture see their relation with nature, since the building is not making a total separation between nature and man, or public and private, but creating a gradient of values of nature&men and public&private.

In Sean Lally critic text, the architects of the future will not design the walls of the building, but instead of designing barriers, such as walls, due to advances in tecnology, architects would design spaces controling the climate and energy creating walls based on electromagnetic fields and chemicals.

Dunne and Raby made a piece of design/art with a similar approach to the perception of huge quantity of electronics that surround us. The Compass Table (2001) is a wooden table inset with magnetic compasses that allows us to see the effects of electromagnetic fields of typical objects, such as laptops or cellphones, in this way, the table shows the users the invisible fields that surround them.

In conclusion, both of them believe in a more blured relation between the outside and inside spaces of a house, and although Sou Fujimoto answer to this question on a more formal way, and Sean Lally prefer to go to a more expeculative area, primary based on technological advances, both the architects have similar aproaches to the protective aspect of what a building should have.

Photo courtesy: Iwan Baan.

Architecture is not so changeable, but the weather and people are, so architects have to find a platform that could accommodate the changes, Sou Fujiomoto pointed that out. His approach is always about how to make a relation between inside and outside environment as one of the realisations of his idealism. House N is not only about space nor form, but also about expressing the richness of what are `between` the house and the street. There are 2 types of gradation that he wanted to achieved through the design; boxes gradation (as the application of space concept which incorporate the inside and the outside) and openings/windows gradation (as the application to help the concept reaches its sense). It gives the experience that even when you are inside you still feeling outside, and when you are outside you actually have the transcendence access to still feel being inside. Somehow this experience is giving a sense to our understanding on Sean Lally’s The Shape of Energy which introduces of a new possibility that could advance our architectural approach through intangible matter.

 It is a very interesting display of thoughts even though it is beyond its realisation, Sean Lally expressed that buildings in the future wont have walls and will instead consists of climate controller areas of landscape. We as architects will be able to analyse and harness energy and then process it to create sustain space of architecture. Electromagnetic fields, thermodynamic, and chemical power should be possible matters to control and used as space divider. Also, the energy that is attached to humans themselves potentially could build a social architecture barrier. It is very clear that his approach is making energy as a new architecture typology with out physical development.

Critically thinking on what Shape of Energy could contribute an alteration to Fujimoto-san’s House N is that actually the most outer layer of the house could be eliminated but the house still could achieve the original desired concept. Most outer space will be maintained by the existing of tress and gravel landscape that somehow incorporate with the sunlight.

Drawing courtesy; Left: Sou Fujimoto. Right: Maulidianti’s simulation on the original drawing.

Architecture exists because of human needs, so for me personally it is human’s attribute (humbly speaking), therefore the consistency on making architecture in order to comply to the nature of human is essential. In my opinion, technology is another evolution to support that concept, not necessarily to alter architecture’s role, but to make the most out of its function and enhance architecture. Therefore I will be quite practical in choosing my research, the ones that will be the closest with human evolution of needs. In this era, the world is separated in physical and digital platform, I would really like to incorporate them in my architecture work so all possibilities and breakthrough on human’s needs could be sustained, and the design itself will always be a very specific and unique solution. Form wise, it is not necessarily to be a physical parametric shape, advanced architecture could offer a simple form or solution that also can be a configuration of system, and at the same time not secluded from nature.

 Photo courtesy: UAP. Via: http://www.designboom.com/

Brisbane Domestic Terminal Car Park

By ned kahn, collaborated with hassell architecture, UAP and the brisbane airport corporation

Text Assignment: The Shape of Energy – Sean Lally (photo)

Architecture, in all of its many abstract definitions, is being pushed to a fusion with nature. From some perspectives, such as that of Sou Fujimoto and Sean Lally, architecture ought to be defined by natural elements.

The case study of Foujimoto’s House N uses a shell strategy to illustrate a concept of incremental spatial mediation without the use of distinct boundaries; this way, the outdoors feels like the indoors and vice versa. By the inclusion of trees in it’s outermost shell, House N speaks to topics of atmospheric, disturbed, and intangible relations.

Similarly, Lally’s interpretation of Architecture’s current status and its future, is highly reliant on atmospheric and intangible relational logics in Advanced Architecture. Material energies, the sensational environment that surrounds us, are proposed as a new typology to follow the static mediation used in Architecture today. The shapes of these ever-changing habitats become a job for the architect to define and design custom to the particular properties of the environment. The idea is that society becomes inexplicably aware of material energies’ ability to activate a feeling of space, as well as transform to adapt to change.

Critically thinking, both of these methods seem conceptually competent. With Architecture’s acceptance of rapidly advancing digital technologies, as well as environmental impact, new boundary defining mechanisms appear inevitable. However, both Foujimoto’s and Lally’s concepts distance themselves from issues of security and stability. The role of an architect is certainly changing, but does that exclude the duties of providing such comforts to habitable spaces, especially residential?

In the future, I may be interested in mimicking the inherent successes of natural systems in Architecture. I question strategies of inclusion, forcing nature into the bounds that are today still necessary in Architecture, or wrapping architecture around the freedom that is synonymous with Nature. In this race to design the true “future” of architecture, I hope to develop research that helps to narrow down the contenders to those that are sensible in respect to economical, social, and environmental impact.