Cumincad : CUMINCAD Papers : Search Results

CumInCAD is a Cumulative Index about publications in Computer Aided Architectural Design
supported by the sibling associations ACADIA, CAADRIA, eCAADe, SIGraDi, ASCAAD and CAAD futures

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_id	sigradi2006_e028c
id	sigradi2006_e028c
authors	Griffith, Kenfield; Sass, Larry and Michaud, Dennis
year	2006
title	A strategy for complex-curved building design:Design structure with Bi-lateral contouring as integrally connected ribs
source	SIGraDi 2006 - [Proceedings of the 10th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Santiago de Chile - Chile 21-23 November 2006, pp. 465-469
summary	Shapes in designs created by architects such as Gehry Partners (Shelden, 2002), Foster and Partners, and Kohn Peterson and Fox rely on computational processes for rationalizing complex geometry for building construction. Rationalization is the reduction of a complete geometric shape into discrete components. Unfortunately, for many architects the rationalization is limited reducing solid models to surfaces or data on spread sheets for contractors to follow. Rationalized models produced by the firms listed above do not offer strategies for construction or digital fabrication. For the physical production of CAD description an alternative to the rationalized description is needed. This paper examines the coupling of digital rationalization and digital fabrication with physical mockups (Rich, 1989). Our aim is to explore complex relationships found in early and mid stage design phases when digital fabrication is used to produce design outcomes. Results of our investigation will aid architects and engineers in addressing the complications found in the translation of design models embedded with precision to constructible geometries. We present an algorithmically based approach to design rationalization that supports physical production as well as surface production of desktop models. Our approach is an alternative to conventional rapid prototyping that builds objects by assembly of laterally sliced contours from a solid model. We explored an improved product description for rapid manufacture as bilateral contouring for structure and panelling for strength (Kolarevic, 2003). Infrastructure typically found within aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding industries, bilateral contouring is an organized matrix of horizontal and vertical interlocking ribs evenly distributed along a surface. These structures are monocoque and semi-monocoque assemblies composed of structural ribs and skinning attached by rivets and adhesives. Alternative, bi-lateral contouring discussed is an interlocking matrix of plywood strips having integral joinery for assembly. Unlike traditional methods of building representations through malleable materials for creating tangible objects (Friedman, 2002), this approach constructs with the implication for building life-size solutions. Three algorithms are presented as examples of rationalized design production with physical results. The first algorithm [Figure 1] deconstructs an initial 2D curved form into ribbed slices to be assembled through integral connections constructed as part of the rib solution. The second algorithm [Figure 2] deconstructs curved forms of greater complexity. The algorithm walks along the surface extracting surface information along horizontal and vertical axes saving surface information resulting in a ribbed structure of slight double curvature. The final algorithm [Figure 3] is expressed as plug-in software for Rhino that deconstructs a design to components for assembly as rib structures. The plug-in also translates geometries to a flatten position for 2D fabrication. The software demonstrates the full scope of the research exploration. Studies published by Dodgson argued that innovation technology (IvT) (Dodgson, Gann, Salter, 2004) helped in solving projects like the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, and the Millennium Bridge in London. Similarly, the method discussed in this paper will aid in solving physical production problems with complex building forms. References Bentley, P.J. (Ed.). Evolutionary Design by Computers. Morgan Kaufman Publishers Inc. San Francisco, CA, 1-73 Celani, G, (2004) “From simple to complex: using AutoCAD to build generative design systems” in: L. Caldas and J. Duarte (org.) Implementations issues in generative design systems. First Intl. Conference on Design Computing and Cognition, July 2004 Dodgson M, Gann D.M., Salter A, (2004), “Impact of Innovation Technology on Engineering Problem Solving: Lessons from High Profile Public Projects,” Industrial Dynamics, Innovation and Development, 2004 Dristas, (2004) “Design Operators.” Thesis. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 2004 Friedman, M, (2002), Gehry Talks: Architecture + Practice, Universe Publishing, New York, NY, 2002 Kolarevic, B, (2003), Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing, Spon Press, London, UK, 2003 Opas J, Bochnick H, Tuomi J, (1994), “Manufacturability Analysis as a Part of CAD/CAM Integration”, Intelligent Systems in Design and Manufacturing, 261-292 Rudolph S, Alber R, (2002), “An Evolutionary Approach to the Inverse Problem in Rule-Based Design Representations”, Artificial Intelligence in Design ’02, 329-350 Rich M, (1989), Digital Mockup, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Reston, VA, 1989 Schön, D., The Reflective Practitioner: How Professional Think in Action. Basic Books. 1983 Shelden, D, (2003), “Digital Surface Representation and the Constructability of Gehry’s Architecture.” Diss. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 2003 Smithers T, Conkie A, Doheny J, Logan B, Millington K, (1989), “Design as Intelligent Behaviour: An AI in Design Thesis Programme”, Artificial Intelligence in Design, 293-334 Smithers T, (2002), “Synthesis in Designing”, Artificial Intelligence in Design ’02, 3-24 Stiny, G, (1977), “Ice-ray: a note on the generation of Chinese lattice designs” Environmental and Planning B, volume 4, pp. 89-98
keywords	Digital fabrication; bilateral contouring; integral connection; complex-curve
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:52

_id	ecaade2010_017
id	ecaade2010_017
authors	Hemsath, Timothy L.
year	2010
title	Searching for Innovation Through Teaching Digital Fabrication
source	FUTURE CITIES [28th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 978-0-9541183-9-6] ETH Zurich (Switzerland) 15-18 September 2010, pp.21-30
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2010.021
wos	WOS:000340629400001
summary	The use of digital fabrication in the discourse and education of architectural students has become a common skill in many schools of architecture. There is a growing demand for computer-aided design (CAD) skills, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) logic, programming and fabrication knowledge in student education. The relevance of fabrication tools for architecture and design education goes beyond mere competence and can pursue innovation in what Branko Koleravic (2003) observed, “The digital age has radically reconfigured the relationship between conception and production, creating a direct digital link between what can be conceived and what can be built through “file-to-factory” processes of computer numerically controlled (CNC) fabrication”. However, there has been very little written about what students are actually learning through digital fabrication courses and the relevance of the skills required for innovation in the field of digital fabrication.
keywords	CAD; CAM; Pedagogy; Curriculum
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:49

_id	a3ac
id	a3ac
authors	Kolravic, Branko (ed.)
year	2003
title	ARCHITECTURE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
source	Spon Press
summary	Architecture in the Digital Age addresses contemporary architectural practice in which digital technologies are radically changing how the buildings are conceived, designed and produced. It discusses the digitally-driven changes, their origins, and their effects by grounding them in actual practices already taking place, while simultaneously speculating about their wider implications for the future. The book offers a diverse set of ideas as to what is relevant today and what will be relevant tomorrow for emerging architectural practices of the digital age. The contents of the book brings together some of the leading international practitioners with the aim of providing informed views of what is seen as a critical juncture in architecture's evolving relationship to its wider cultural and technological context.
keywords	Digital fabrication
series	book
type	normal paper
email
last changed	2005/03/06 07:28

_id	avocaad_2003_02
id	avocaad_2003_02
authors	Brian M. Evans
year	2003
title	Binary Winds: Identity in the Digital Age
source	LOCAL VALUES in a NETWORKED DESIGN WORLD - ADDED VALUE OF COMPUTER AIDED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, Stellingwerff, Martijn and Verbeke, Johan (Eds.), (2004) DUP Science - Delft University Press, ISBN 90-407-2507-1.
summary	no summary available
keywords	Architecture, Local values, Globalisation, Computer Aided Architectural Design
series	AVOCAAD
email
last changed	2006/01/16 21:38

_id	sigradi2003_000
id	sigradi2003_000
authors	Carmena, Sonia and Utgés, Raúl (eds.)
year	2003
title	SiGradi2003
source	Proceedings of the 7th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics Graphics / ISBN 987-9459-51-2] Rosario (Argentina) 5-7 november 2003, 411 p.
summary	The conference topic "Digital Culture & Difference" encourages creative and critical inquiries about the idea of measuring differences within and between culture manifestations of digital age towards new information for knowledge completion. Submitted work may address this topic or other significant aspect of Digital Media. Type of Work Categories: 1- Completed work; 2- Work in-progress; 3- Graphic or visual works (posters). Areas of Inquiry: Design; Architecture, Cinematography; Arts; etc. Focus: Professional applications; Academic experiences; Scientific research; Theory, epistemology, philosophy; Project, design, communication; Environment, preservation, sustainability; Technology, tools, media; etc.
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:48

_id	acadia03_062
id	acadia03_062
authors	Fure, Adam and Daubmann, Karl
year	2003
title	housemc - Mass-CraftingNumerical instructions for construction
source	Connecting >> Crossroads of Digital Discourse [Proceedings of the 2003 Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design In Architecture / ISBN 1-880250-12-8] Indianapolis (Indiana) 24-27 October 2003, p. 434
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2003.x.x3p
summary	Craft oriented culture was eventually displaced by mass-production, and it was not until the early 1990’s when a new paradigm began to emerge, one of infinite customer driven flexibility. Mass customization promises a flexible and efficient mode of production for customized parts or services at low cost. The catalyst for such a revolution has been computer-aided design and computer controlled manufacturing.
series	ACADIA
last changed	2022/06/07 07:49

_id	caadria2003_b6-1
id	caadria2003_b6-1
authors	Howe, A.S., Kang, P. and Nasari, Omid
year	2003
title	Digiosk Digital Design to Robotic Deployment in Two Months
source	CAADRIA 2003 [Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / ISBN 974-9584-13-9] Bangkok Thailand 18-20 October 2003, pp. 811-826
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2003.811
summary	In this paper, we discuss Kit-of-parts Theory and how it applies to the design, manufacture, and operation of a small robotic deployable demonstration structure called the Digiosk (Howe, 2001). "Kit-of-parts Theory" refers to the study and application of objectoriented building techniques, where building components are predesigned / pre-engineered / pre-fabricated for inclusion in joint-based (linear element), panel-based (planar element), module-based (solid element), and deployable (time element) construction systems. The Digiosk is an exposition display kiosk that was designed and manufactured digitally, and brought from concept to robotic functionality in a short period of time. Using kinematic mechanisms the cylinder opens up and deploys into a 2.7m cubical display booth complete with integral power and network connections. The kiosk was designed using a solid modeler, from which data was extracted to drive digital manufacturing processes. Owing to the well-developed understanding of Kit-of-parts Theory and the new "kinematic architecture" principles, the paperless process yielded a working prototype only eight weeks after initial conceptualization. The paper concludes with a discussion of how these concepts can be applied to large-scale projects and design processes.
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:50

_id	acadia03_007
id	acadia03_007
authors	Kolarevic, Branko
year	2003
title	Digital Fabrication: From Digital To Material
source	Connecting >> Crossroads of Digital Discourse [Proceedings of the 2003 Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design In Architecture / ISBN 1-880250-12-8] Indianapolis (Indiana) 24-27 October 2003, pp. 54-55
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2003.054
summary	In the past, architects drew what they could build, and built what they could draw, as observed by Bill Mitchell. This reciprocity between the means of representation and production has not disappeared entirely in the digital age. Knowing the production capabilities and availability of particular digitally-driven fabrication equipment enables architects to design specifically for the capabilities of those machines. The consequence is that architects are becoming much more directly involved in the fabrication processes, as they create the information that is translated by fabricators directly into the control data that drives the digital fabrication equipment.
series	ACADIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:51

_id	ecaade03_343_132_male
id	ecaade03_343_132_male
authors	Malé-Alemany, Marta and Sousa, José Pedro
year	2003
title	Hyper [D-M] Process - Emerging Conditions for Digital Design and Manufacturing in Architecture
source	Digital Design [21th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9541183-1-6] Graz (Austria) 17-20 September 2003, pp. 343-346
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2003.343
summary	This paper participates in the current digital architecture debate taking into account the introduction of CAD-CAM technologies in architecture and focusing on the way this could further change the process of architectural production. It proposes a mode of integration based on associative parametric environments and explains that new conditions for developing architectural projects indeed emerge from this digital framework. Finally, the research developed at DAw is presented as an academic laboratory where the arguments of this paper have been tested and stimulated.
keywords	Design Process; Parametric Design; Digital Fabrication; CAD-CAM;Architectural Education
series	eCAADe
email
more	http://www.d-a-w.net
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	sigradi2003_048
id	sigradi2003_048
authors	Parera, Cecilia
year	2003
title	Abre los ojos. Taller de Arquitectura de Información (Open the eyes. Studio of Architecture of Information)
source	SIGraDi 2003 - [Proceedings of the 7th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Rosario Argentina 5-7 november 2003
summary	Traditionally, Architecture has been associated with the design of environments that support human activities. The organizational rules, basic principles and elements that govern the design of physical worlds are the same that create representations in the digital space. In the Information Age, Architecture has an incredible opportunity to expand its realm and apply its expertise to the organization, utilization and experience of information, developing visualizations that allow users to find their paths to knowledge. The class Information Architecture provided me with basic tools to understand this new environment and to question my convictions of which are the boundaries of Architecture.
keywords	Information Architecture; Data Representation; Visualization; Design
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:57

_id	acadia05_254
id	acadia05_254
authors	Sheil, Bob and Leung, Chris
year	2005
title	‘Kielder Probes’ – bespoke tools for an indeterminate design process
source	Smart Architecture: Integration of Digital and Building Technologies [Proceedings of the 2005 Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design In Architecture / ISBN 0-9772832-0-8] Savannah (Georgia) 13-16 October 2005, pp. 254-259
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2005.254
summary	Sixteen (makers) are a group of practicing architects, academics, designers and makers who assemble when key questions surrounding design, fabrication, use and adaptability in architecture emerge. Initially, the group was formed out of a motivation to engage as designers with the physical and tactile aspects of production without a dependency upon drawing. Now, in the post digital age, the age of digital fabrication, boundaries between drawing and making, between the designer and the maker, have dissolved. Consequently sixteen(makers) work is now engaged with questions of knowledge transfer, expertise, and innovation where modes of investigation are equally embedded within in the analogue and the digital world. This article relates to our latest ongoing work which is due for completion in 2005/06. The work has been developed as a specific response to the award of an architectural residency by the Art and Architecture Partnership at Kielder Park, Northumbria, England. From the outset, it has not been a requirement of the residency that an outcome is identified early on. In fact, as I write, the outcome remains open. Presented with an extraordinary site and coinciding with a time of rapid change the work has begun by exploring a design process that is adaptable, indeterminate, and informed by site conditions. In October 2003, sixteen(makers) were awarded an architecture residency by The Art and Architecture Programme at Kielder (AAPK) of Northumbria, UK. This organization is well known for commissioning works such as the ‘Belvedere’ by Softroom and the ‘Skyspace’ by James Turrell. Coordinated by Peter Sharp, AAPK consists of a number of large public bodies, including The Forestry Commission, Northumbrian Water and Tyndale District Council. Together they manage a land area of 62,000 ha’s centred on the UK’s largest reservoir and surrounded on all sides by one of Europe’s largest managed forests.
series	ACADIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:56

_id	acadia03_004
id	acadia03_004
authors	Williamson, R. Shane
year	2003
title	Process and Individuation: Designing for Controlled Indeterminacy
source	Connecting >> Crossroads of Digital Discourse [Proceedings of the 2003 Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design In Architecture / ISBN 1-880250-12-8] Indianapolis (Indiana) 24-27 October 2003, pp. 29-37
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2003.029
summary	Through the presentation of the design of a memorial, this paper intends to introduce an iterative design process that incorporates particle-based animation, parametrically constrained operations, and a variety of rapid-prototyping techniques. This is a project rooted in the generation and interpretation of physical artifacts dependent upon both the generative potential of digital media and the subjective modifications associated with design authorship It is stated in the brief for this ACADIA topic node that “the maturity of design, modeling, visualization, manufacturing and collaboration tools has allowed them to be naturally and comfortably integrated into the design process at all stages.” As such, the design statement for this memorial makes no mention of the incorporation of digital media. Process is subordinate to its result. Simply, the victims’ families would not find the range of technology incorporated in this design pertinent to the matter at hand: the design of a memorial to honor the victims of the attack on the Pentagon. Within the context of this “Digital Design” topic node, though, it is my intention to expose the digital underpinnings of this project and position it within a discourse somewhere between ars accidentalis and the constraints of fully parametric and geometrically-associative design.
series	ACADIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:57

_id	ecaade03_369_112_akgun
id	ecaade03_369_112_akgun
authors	Akgun, Yenal
year	2003
title	An Interactive Database (HizmO) for Reconstructing Lost Modernist Izmir:
source	Digital Design [21th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9541183-1-6] Graz (Austria) 17-20 September 2003, pp. 369-372
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2003.369
summary	The research project in progress in the School of Architecture at the Izmir Institute of Technology includes documentation and reconstruction (by 3D modeling in electronic media) of damaged and lost early modern buildings in the Izmir region. The research aims to analyze the differences between Izmir modern buildings and Universal Modern Style, and preserve information on architectural heritage for future generations. The project is at the phase of developing an interactive web-based historical database (HizmO) that includes data (information, images, technical drawings, VRML models) and visualization of the findings. This database aims to be a pioneer in Mediterranean Region for exhibition of relations between traditional architecture (especially Mediterranean locality) and modernism, and organization of a network and off-campus learning activity for Mediterranean architecture that serve as a guide for students, researchers and architects. This paper aims at introducing this research and discussing the application of the database “HizmO,” its aims and potential effects on education in architectural history.
keywords	E-learning, educational database, architectural history, VRML
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	ascaad2004_paper12
id	ascaad2004_paper12
authors	Al-Qawasmi, Jamal
year	2004
title	Reflections on e-Design: The e-Studio Experience
source	eDesign in Architecture: ASCAAD's First International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design, 7-9 December 2004, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia
summary	The influence of digital media and information technology on architectural design education and practice is increasingly evident. The practice and learning of architecture is increasingly aided by and dependant on digital media. Digital technologies not only provide new production methods, but also expand our abilities to create, explore, manipulate and compose space. In contemporary design education, there is a continuous demand to deliver new skills in digital media and to rethink architectural design education in the light of the new developments in digital technology. During the academic years 2001-2003, I had the chance to lead the efforts to promote an effective use of digital media for design education at Department of Architecture, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). Architectural curriculum at JUST dedicated much time for teaching computing skills. However, in this curriculum, digital media was taught in the form of "software use" education. In this context, digital media is perceived and used mainly as a presentation tool. Furthermore, Computer Aided Architectural Design and architectural design are taught in separate courses without interactions between the two.
series	ASCAAD
email
last changed	2007/04/08 19:47

_id	avocaad_2003_09
id	avocaad_2003_09
authors	Alexander Asanowicz
year	2003
title	Form Follows Media - Experiences of Bialystok School of Architectural Composition
source	LOCAL VALUES in a NETWORKED DESIGN WORLD - ADDED VALUE OF COMPUTER AIDED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, Stellingwerff, Martijn and Verbeke, Johan (Eds.), (2004) DUP Science - Delft University Press, ISBN 90-407-2507-1.
summary	This paper considers transition from physical modelling to digital methods of the creation of architectural forms. Every type of creation has constructed the proper means of expression and its own methodology. The main thesis of this paper is that a specific character of the composition activity of an architect is determined by the modelling methods. As the research on architectural modelling, the two methods of creating spatial architectural forms (cardboard model and computer model) have been compared. Research has been done on the basis of the same exercise for both media. The process of creation proceeded in the same way, too. As the start point students have found the inspiration. Each student presented photos of existing architectural objects and a text, which explained the reasons of the choice. Next steps were sketches of the idea and realisation of the model. The achieved results of creative activity fully confirm the thesis of the research.
keywords	Architecture, Local values, Globalisation, Computer Aided Architectural Design
series	AVOCAAD
email
last changed	2006/01/16 21:38

_id	avocaad_2003_05
id	avocaad_2003_05
authors	Alexander Koutamanis
year	2003
title	Autonomous mechanisms in architectural design systems
source	LOCAL VALUES in a NETWORKED DESIGN WORLD - ADDED VALUE OF COMPUTER AIDED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, Stellingwerff, Martijn and Verbeke, Johan (Eds.), (2004) DUP Science - Delft University Press, ISBN 90-407-2507-1.
summary	The development of architectural design systems that describe fully the form, structure and behaviour of a design relies heavily on the incorporation of intelligence in the representations, analyses, transformations and transactions used by the computer. Traditionally such intelligence takes either of two forms. The first is a methodical framework that guides actions supported by the design system (usually in a top-down fashion). The second is local, intelligence mechanisms that resolve discrete, relatively well-defined subproblems (often with limited if any user intervention). Local intelligent mechanisms offer the means for adaptability and transformability in architectural design systems, including the localization of global tendencies. This refers both to the digital design technologies and to the historical, cultural and contextual modifications of design styles and approaches.
keywords	Architecture, Local values, Globalisation, Computer Aided Architectural Design
series	AVOCAAD
email
last changed	2006/01/16 21:38

_id	sigradi2003_121
id	sigradi2003_121
authors	Alvarado, Rodrigo García, Castillo, Gino Alvarez
year	2003
title	Técnicas Cinematográficas para las Animaciones Arquitectónicas (Film-making techniques for Architectural Animations)
source	SIGraDi 2003 - [Proceedings of the 7th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Rosario Argentina 5-7 november 2003
summary	The paper presents film techniques for the expressive development of architectural animations, based on a graphic analysis of productions related to architecture (famous movies, documentaries of buildings and contemporary animations). This study is revealing some cinematographic concepts such as the dynamic composition of image, diversity of camera's positions, control of movements and rhythmic montage of shots that support a meaningful presentation of buildings. Also it suggests the geometric programming of movements and influences in the architectural design.
keywords	Animation, Cinematography, Movement
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:47

_id	sigradi2003_096
id	sigradi2003_096
authors	Alvarez, Valeria and Albero, Constanza
year	2003
title	Una rama en la arquitectura de la era digital (A branch in architecture of the digital age)
source	SIGraDi 2003 - [Proceedings of the 7th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Rosario Argentina 5-7 november 2003
summary	Genetic information determines the germ of life, the first idea, that encloses all the power of creation. In every "germ" lays the identity, the strength to seek and fulfill expression in form. History, technical and scientific progress require new answers and provide new tools while encouraging investigation. A "Branch", a simple nature element, is reinterpreted into bits of information, reconstructed after being apprehended. This process reveals new elements that could have never been conceived with traditional methods. Nature and Technology complement each other in an embriological growing system that provides a new concept in the construction of real spaces.
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:47

_id	diss_anders
id	diss_anders
authors	Anders, P.
year	2003
title	A Procedural Model for Integrating Physical and Cyberspaces in Architecture
source	Doctoral dissertation, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, U.K
summary	This dissertation articulates opportunities offered by architectural computation, in particular the digital simulation of space known as virtual reality (VR) and its networked, social variant cyberspace. Research suggests that environments that hybridize technologies call for a conception of space as information, i.e. space is both a product of and tool for cognition. The thesis proposes a model whereby architecture can employ this concept of space in creating hybrids that integrate physical and cyberspaces.The dissertation presents important developments in architectural computation that disclose concepts and values that contrast with orthodox practice. Virtual reality and cyberspace, the foci of this inquiry, are seen to embody the more problematic aspects of these developments. They also raise a question of redundancy: If a simulation is good enough, do we still need to build? This question, raised early in the 1990's, is explored through a thought experiment - the Library Paradox - which is assessed and critiqued for its idealistic premises. Still, as technology matures and simulations become more realistic the challenge posed by VR/cyberspace to architecture only becomes more pressing. If the case for virtual idealism seems only to be strengthened by technological and cultural trends, it would seem that a virtual architecture should have been well established in the decade since its introduction.Yet a history of the virtual idealist argument discloses the many difficulties faced by virtual architects. These include differences between idealist and professional practitioners, the failure of technology to achieve its proponents' claims, and confusion over the meaning of virtual architecture among both architects and clients. However, the dissertation also cites the success of virtual architecture in other fields - Human Computer Interface design, digital games, and Computer Supported Collaborative Work - and notes that their adoption of space derives from practice within each discipline. It then proposes that the matter of VR/cyberspace be addressed from within the practice of architecture, a strategy meant to balance the theoretical/academic inclination of previous efforts in this field.The dissertation pursues an assessment that reveals latent, accepted virtualities in design methodologies, instrumentation, and the notations of architectural practices. Of special importance is a spatial database that now pervades the design and construction processes. The unity of this database, effectively a project's cyberspace, and its material counterpart is the subject of the remainder of the dissertation. Such compositions of physical and cyberspaces are herein called cybrids. The dissertation examines current technologies that cybridize architecture and information technology, and proposes their integration within cybrid wholes. The concept of cybrids is articulated in seven principles that are applied in a case study for the design for the Planetary Collegium. The project is presented and critiqued on the basis of these seven principles. The dissertation concludes with a discussion of possible effects of cybrids upon architecture and contemporary culture.
series	thesis:PhD
email
last changed	2005/09/09 12:58

_id	acadia03_002
id	acadia03_002
authors	Anders, Peter
year	2003
title	Four Degrees Of Freedom
source	Connecting >> Crossroads of Digital Discourse [Proceedings of the 2003 Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design In Architecture / ISBN 1-880250-12-8] Indianapolis (Indiana) 24-27 October 2003, p. 17
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2003.x.s7a
summary	Letting go is hard to do. Remember back to when, after months of trying, you let go of the handlebars of your bicycle and sailed down the street, effortless and assured. It was a freedom born of mastery, balance and technique. You had let go, but were in control. Technique extends to other devices as well and we are here to discuss architectural computation. Here too, as we will see, mastery is shown by letting go. These papers explore new degrees of freedom in design computation. Each is on a separate aspect of architecture, whether it be aesthetics, process, or structure. Two papers inquire into the entities of design and the processes by which they are manifested. They pose important questions. If we can affect the course of design going forward, are we free to change its past? By defining the characteristics of objects at the outset, are we through automation free to choose from a refined spectrum of outcomes? From the evidence of these papers, the answer to both questions is yes. Through the agency of parametric design we can affect the future and past of architectural processes and their products. Rather than being locked into rigid, linear decisions we are temporally free to choose, tweak and modify. Choice and chance play an important role in aesthetics as well. This has become emblematic of design trends as we have seen in recent years. One of our papers addresses the indeterminacy of particle systems in the design of a monument to the victims of 9/11. By letting go of the handlebars of the computer, the author has been freed to new, poetic forms and processes. Another paper opens urban design to its client community by use of a sophisticated web site. In the tradition of populist innovators like Charles Moore and Lucien Kroll, the authors have extended the design process beyond the office walls to the city itself. The designers, by loosening their grip on the project have made the effort democratic and participatory. Intriguingly, at the end of the paper, they note that this use of cyberspace opens the door to a non-physical architecture. Could architecture, then, let go its materialist biases as well? We hope to engage this and other questions shortly.We are pleased then, to share with you these insights and projects. Wassim and I hope that these presentations will be as liberating for you as they were for us.
series	ACADIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:49

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