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	ecaade2012_212
id	ecaade2012_212
authors	Aghaei Meibodi, Mania ; Aghaiemeybodi, Hamia
year	2012
title	The Synergy Between Structure and Ornament: A Reflection on the Practice of Tectonic in the Digital and Physical Worlds
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2012.2.245
source	Achten, Henri; Pavlicek, Jiri; Hulin, Jaroslav; Matejovska, Dana (eds.), Digital Physicality - Proceedings of the 30th eCAADe Conference - Volume 2 / ISBN 978-9-4912070-3-7, Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Architecture (Czech Republic) 12-14 September 2012, pp. 245-254
summary	The use of digital design and fabrication technologies in architecture has followed a paradigm shift, which has seen the topology, form and structure of architecture pushed to incorporate areas such as climate, construction, acoustic etc. While these digital technologies are intended to enhance the processes and performance, a discussion of aesthetics has been ignored. Surmising that the use of digital technology enhances the performability and effi ciency aspects of architecture as well as the aesthetics, this research questions what the new relationships and arrangements for structure and ornament are. What are the challenges when structure uses a process-based logic and is sensitive to materiality whereas the aesthetics has a representation-based logic and is not sensitive to materiality? The authors of this paper contribute to this debate by using the notion of tectonic as a platform for gaining and creating knowledge about this issue and examining the issues through the design and prototyping of a Multi-functional Pavilion.
wos	WOS:000330320600024
keywords	Processes; ornament; digital technology; tectonic; architectural expression
series	eCAADe
type	normal paper
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	sigradi2012_30
id	sigradi2012_30
authors	Angeluzzi, Gustavo; Hanns, Daniela Kutschat
year	2012
title	Um levantamento de requisitos gerais para o desenvolvimento e posicionamento de DOOTERS – um aplicativo lúdico de listas de tarefas para iPhone [A survey of general requirements for developing and positioning DOOTERS - a to-do list application for iPhone]
source	SIGraDi 2012 [Proceedings of the 16th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Brasil - Fortaleza 13-16 November 2012, pp. 191-195
summary	DOOTERS is a to-do list application for iPhone which entertains and motivates the user to get things done. It was developed based on requirements obtained trough: 1. the study of several personal information organizing methods (Covey, 1989; Allen, 2005; Foster, 2006); 2. answers to a task lists user focused questionnaire; 3. observation of to-do list users while creating lists and organizing tasks; 4. comparison of digital and non-digital task list media (paper, computer and mobile device); 5. analysis of profiles, behaviors and to-do list applications for iPhone. In this paper, the authors present the process of obtaining requirements for developing and positioning DOOTERS.
keywords	information and interface design, requirements, to-do list application, iPhone, DOOTERS
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:47

_id	caadria2012_132
id	caadria2012_132
authors	Baerlecken, Daniel and David Duncan
year	2012
title	Junk: Design build studio
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2012.305
source	Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / Chennai 25-28 April 2012, pp. 305–314
summary	The paper presents a design build studio that investigates the role of waste as building material and develops a proposal for an installation that uses CAAD and CAM tools in combination with traditional fabrication tools to design and build an installation out of waste materials. The paper describes the concept development and the construction process through the help of computational tools. Recycling is in the process of becoming an integral part of sustainable architecture. However, there are very few digital design projects that use re-used or recycled materials in combination with their architectural and aesthetic qualities and potentials. The potential of such an investigation is explored within a design build studio. What is junk? What is a building material? What are the aesthetics of junk?
keywords	Education in CAAD; digital fabrication and construction; practice-based and interdisciplinary CAAD; parametric modelling
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	ecaade2012_280
id	ecaade2012_280
authors	Baerlecken, Daniel; Reitz, Judith; Duncan, David
year	2012
title	Junk: Reuse of Waste Materials
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2012.2.143
source	Achten, Henri; Pavlicek, Jiri; Hulin, Jaroslav; Matejovska, Dana (eds.), Digital Physicality - Proceedings of the 30th eCAADe Conference - Volume 2 / ISBN 978-9-4912070-3-7, Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Architecture (Czech Republic) 12-14 September 2012, pp. 143-150
summary	The paper presents a series of design build studio that investigate the role of waste as building material. The series develops proposals for constructions that use CAAD and CAM tools in combination with traditional fabrication tools to design and build an installation out of waste materials. The fi rst construction uses waste to create two installations that questions human consumption, The second project is a future project, that intends the use of waste as an actual building material. Recycling is in the process of becoming an integral part of sustainable architecture. However, there are very few digital design projects that use re-used or recycled materials in combination with their architectural and aesthetic qualities and potentials. The potential of such an investigation is explored within these design build studios. What is junk? What is a building material? What are the aesthetics of junk?
wos	WOS:000330320600014
keywords	Education in CAAD; digital fabrication and construction; practice-based and interdisciplinary CAAD; parametric modeling
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	ecaade2012_163
id	ecaade2012_163
authors	Barbosa, Wilson; Araújo, André; Carvalho, Guilherme; Celani, Gabriela
year	2012
title	Samba Reception Desk: Compromising Aesthetics, Fabrication and Structural Performance in the Design Process
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2012.2.255
source	Achten, Henri; Pavlicek, Jiri; Hulin, Jaroslav; Matejovska, Dana (eds.), Digital Physicality - Proceedings of the 30th eCAADe Conference - Volume 2 / ISBN 978-9-4912070-3-7, Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Architecture (Czech Republic) 12-14 September 2012, pp. 255-263
summary	The present paper describes an integrative design experiment in which different types of models were used in order to achieve a design that compromises aesthetics, lightness, fabrication, assembly and structural performance. It shows how an integrative approach, through the use of both virtual and physical models, can provide valuable feedback in different phases of the design and fabrication process. It was possible to conclude that the design method used allowed solving many problems and had a significant impact in the resulting object.
wos	WOS:000330320600025
keywords	Design process; structural analysis; parametric design; digital fabrication; integrative design; models in design
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:52

_id	sigradi2012_56
id	sigradi2012_56
authors	Barros, Diana Rodríguez
year	2012
title	Diseño, Enseñanza y Prácticas Disruptivas. Marcos conceptuales de referencia [Design, Teaching and Disruptive Practices. Conceptual reference frameworks]
source	SIGraDi 2012 [Proceedings of the 16th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Brasil - Fortaleza 13-16 November 2012, pp. 251-254
summary	From the complex perspective of modern information society, knowledge and digital culture, we have detected limitations and obsolescente levels of much of the university educational system. We consider that teaching and learning reflect a beta protoparadigm state in constant construction. We value new ideas within the limits of education, communication and transmedia aesthetics, which contribute to the visibility of innovative practices and transformations. We reflect about necessary changes in the current education, from the diversification and reinvention of the use of educational technologies to liquid infrastructures. Our intention is to contribute to the conceptual frameworks development to fit sustainable strategies and result transferences towards classroom practices known as learning ecosystems.
keywords	Diseño; Enseñanza; Disrupción; Marcos conceptuales; Prácticas docentes
series	SIGRADI
last changed	2016/03/10 09:47

_id	sigradi2012_57
id	sigradi2012_57
authors	Barros, Diana Rodríguez; Mandagarán, María
year	2012
title	Información interconectada, curación colectiva y experiencias de usuario: El caso de la red social Pinterest [Interconnected information, collective curation and user experiences: the case of Pinterest social network]
source	SIGraDi 2012 [Proceedings of the 16th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Brasil - Fortaleza 13-16 November 2012, pp. 167-170
summary	We present exploratory studies about 2.0 web applications linked to renewed collective curatorial activities. In particular we focus on Pinterest application, which collectively generates collection spaces centered in a strong both image and digital graphic presence. We analyze practices related to User Experience Design, which refer to all the factors linked to Interface Design, and produce positive or negative perception of the application. We use the Shedroff model (2009) exploring dimensional categories about significance, duration, amplitude, intensity, interaction and triggers or experience releasers.
keywords	Diseño; Interfaces; Curación colectiva; Experiencias de Usuario
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:47

_id	caadria2012_081
id	caadria2012_081
authors	Beorkrem, Christopher; Niki DesImini, Mitch McGregor and Igor Polakov
year	2012
title	Sphere mapping: A method for a responsive surface design
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2012.527
source	Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / Chennai 25-28 April 2012, pp. 527–536
summary	The method proposed in this project addresses the parametric manipulation of a given pattern to respond directly to a pre-defined surface. Continuing the research of Kevin Rotheroe, Yale University and founder of FreeForm Design. Rotheroe has developed a series of studies in material and surface properties. By utilising a proven pattern, the proposed method sets parameters derived from the formal properties of the original pattern and produces a new pattern that is responsive to the curvature of a complex surface. The workflow developed in this research consists of a complex blending of tools in Grasshopper and Gehry Technologies Digital Project. The intent is to achieve the aesthetics and structure offered by Rotheroe’s original research and to add a responsive precision that provides an accurate adaptation of the pattern based on curvature of a specific computationally defined surface.
keywords	Geometric systems; parametrics; material constraints
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	acadia12_149
id	acadia12_149
authors	Besler, Erin
year	2012
title	Low Fidelity
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2012.149
source	ACADIA 12: Synthetic Digital Ecologies [Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA) ISBN 978-1-62407-267-3] San Francisco 18-21 October, 2012), pp. 149-153
summary	Low Fidelity engages in the translational discrepancies that occur through mediums of architectural representation, not as instances of dilemma but as opportunities to subdue tautology and augment the seductive latency of representation(1). Where some might contend the discrepant as unlawful, the methodology that this thesis argues for engages the digital and machinic, and explores the translational discrepancies that challenge and interrupt our interface with matters of materialization and excite material propensities. The discrepant becomes a dynamic catalyst through the engagement of tools and techniques that subvert the homogeneity of digital design. Low Fidelity engages the sphere of translation by reevaluating the role of architectural representation as generator and generated its originations and its limitations. In an attempt to negotiate the digital and physical, this thesis situates itself within the feedback loop between the mediums of translation through ideas their formal logics, material propensities and back again.
keywords	Robotic Fabrication , Digital Machinic , Material Propensity , Technological Fidelity , Generative Representation , Translation through Mediums
series	ACADIA
type	panel paper
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:52

_id	sigradi2012_311
id	sigradi2012_311
authors	Bruscato, Underléa Miotto; Costa, Cristiano; Rigo, Sandro; Moura, Humberto
year	2012
title	Processo metodológico para construção do Guia de Turismo Ubíquo para a Rota Cultural Caminhos de Pedra/RS [A Methodological Process to create a Ubiquitous Tourist Guide for cultural routes in Caminhos de Pedra/RS]
source	SIGraDi 2012 [Proceedings of the 16th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Brasil - Fortaleza 13-16 November 2012, pp. 179-182
summary	The tourism is one of the most profitable sectors in the world. Recently, the scientific community has been developing applications using the concepts of mobile and ubiquitous computing in this area of tourism. In this perspective, in the present article we propose a Ubiquitous Tourist Guide that is context-aware. Among the context information used, we highlight tourists’ profiles, their needs and restrictions. We developed a general model of an Electronic Tourist Guide and a specific prototype for the Caminhos de Pedra itinerary, a touristic region in the city of Bento Gonçalves in the Rio Grande do Sul state.
keywords	Ubiquitous Tourism; Virtual Cultural Heritage; Mobile Devices; Interface; Architecture
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:47

_id	caadria2012_121
id	caadria2012_121
authors	Chang, Teng-Wen; Heng Jiang, Sheng-Han Chen and Sambit Datta
year	2012
title	Dynamic skin: Interacting with space: An inter-media interface between people and space
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2012.089
source	Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / Chennai 25-28 April 2012, pp. 89–98
summary	Space in its physical form provides the major architectural experience for the people inside the space. How people interact with their surrounding space dynamically is a noteworthy research topic. Architectural skin (or “skin” in this project) is the physical interface between people and their surroundings. The skin in this sense represents an inter-media that receive/sense the interactive behaviours of people and react back into space. Further, the skin needs to be mediated and reacted dynamically according to the interaction behaviours. With the case studies, the knowledge of skin design has achieved and then applied to develop three prototypes. In order to achieve the feasibility of skin design for dynamic skins, the multiple channels of input sensors are desired. Thus, a system called dynamic skin is proposed and details of process are evaluated. In order to incorporate the diverse scenario appeared in the cases and prototypes, a distributed system approach such as multi-agent system design is appealing to us. We propose a distributed dynamic skin platform that cannot only provide sufficient interaction between people and space, but also extending such space to the cloud and network.
keywords	Dynamic skin; multi-agent; distributed; cloud
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:56

_id	sigradi2012_333
id	sigradi2012_333
authors	da Silva, Isabelle Maria Mensato; Viz, Simone Helena Tanoue
year	2012
title	Ensino de Arquitetura e Urbanismo com auxilio de ferramentas digitais [Teaching Architecture and Urbanism with help of digital tools]
source	SIGraDi 2012 [Proceedings of the 16th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Brasil - Fortaleza 13-16 November 2012, pp. 522-526
summary	This article aims to discuss the importance of freehand drawings in the architectural projective process in the context of the digital age, through the use of tablets. It is intended to identify how these drawings, using tablets, keep the perception and the personal dash of each one. This research aims not only to review and update the drawing´s disciplines in the architecture courses - its practices and procedures - but also to discuss the actual role of representation - analogical or digital - and its interaction with others disciplines. The first research, done in 2011, indicated possibilities of interface with CAD, Revit and Sketch-up. The second part, in course in this year, 2012, is trying to experiment the use of tablets in three others disciplines: History of Architecture and Urbanism I, Landscaping and Project I, in the Instituto de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da USP, São Carlos, Brasil.
keywords	freehand drawing, graphic, tablet, digital media
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:50

_id	sigradi2012_348
id	sigradi2012_348
authors	de Abreu, Sandro Canavezzi
year	2012
title	Regimes de permeabilidade entre o humano e os meios digitais e a tensão entre o digital e o analógico em processos de criação em Arquitetura [Regimes of permeability between human and digital media and the tension between digital and analogical in creative processes in Architecture]
source	SIGraDi 2012 [Proceedings of the 16th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Brasil - Fortaleza 13-16 November 2012, pp. 69-73
summary	This article intends to introduce the concept of regimes of permeability (mirroring, transparency and crossing) between man and digital machine as a framework for understanding the relation between analogical and digital and that is also present in computer mediated creative processes in Architecture. These regimes are based in the relation between the concepts information and transduction. Finally, it will be described an experiment where an interface was created relating to the regimes of permeability.
keywords	espelho; informação; transdução; interfaces
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:50

_id	acadia12_429
id	acadia12_429
authors	Fox, Michael ; Polancic, Allyn
year	2012
title	Conventions of Control: A Catalog of Gestures for Remotely Interacting With Dynamic Architectural Space
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2012.429
source	ACADIA 12: Synthetic Digital Ecologies [Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA) ISBN 978-1-62407-267-3] San Francisco 18-21 October, 2012), pp. 429-438
summary	The intent of this project is to create a catalogue of gestures for remotely controlling dynamic architectural space. This research takes an essential first step towards facilitating the field of architecture in playing a role in developing an agenda for control. The process of the project includes a sequence carried out in four stages: 1) Research of gestural control 2) Creating an initial catalogue of spatial architectural gestures 3) Real-world testing and evaluation and 4) Refining the spatial architectural gestures. In creating a vocabulary for controlling dynamic architectural environments, the research builds upon the current state-of-the-art of gestural control which exists in integrated touch- and gesture-based languages of mobile and media interfaces. The next step was to outline architecturally specific dynamic situational activities as a means to explicitly understand the potential to build gestural control into systems that make up architectural space. A proposed vocabulary was then built upon the cross-referenced validity of existing intuitive gestural languages as applied to architectural situations. The proposed gestural vocabulary was then tested against user-generated gestures in the following areas: frequency of "invention", learnability, memorability, performability, efficiency, and opportunity for error. The means of testing was carried out through a test-cell environment with numerous kinetic architectural elements and a Microsoft Kinect Sensor to track gestures of the test subjects. We conclude that the manipulation of physical building components and physical space itself is more suited to gestural physical manipulation by its users instead of control via device, speech, cognition, or other. In the future it will be possible, if not commonplace to embed architecture with interfaces to allow users to interact with their environments and we believe that gestural language is the most powerful means control through enabling real physical interactions.
keywords	Gesture , Interactive , Remote , Control , Architecture , Intuition , Physical , Interface
series	ACADIA
type	normal paper
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:50

_id	ecaade2012_147
id	ecaade2012_147
authors	Huang, Yinghsiu; Hsieh, Kai-Wei; Chen, Huan-Nian
year	2012
title	The Emotional Design by Combining Interactive Technologies and Imaginations
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2012.2.361
source	Achten, Henri; Pavlicek, Jiri; Hulin, Jaroslav; Matejovska, Dana (eds.), Digital Physicality - Proceedings of the 30th eCAADe Conference - Volume 2 / ISBN 978-9-4912070-3-7, Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Architecture (Czech Republic) 12-14 September 2012, pp. 361-368
summary	In product design domain, designers have to deal with not only the interface between human and hardware, but also the emotions while using products. However, imagination is an important ability in all design stages. How designers could combine interactive devices and emotions with their imaginations is the main problem of this research. At the end of this paper, the result will demonstrate an interactive and emotional design by combining some sensors to receive the usage from people, and some reactions to express products’ emotions. By wiring photosensitive resistor, pressure sensor, red LED, speakers, and programing in ARDUINO, this study assembled an emotional alarm, which can express his angry emotions by different levels of noise, lighting, and shocking. In this study, we conducted a workshop not only for combining interactive sensors into products, but also for expressing emotions in viewpoints from products. During this workshop, students have to trigger their imaginations for conceiving emotional products, which they have never seen and thought of.
wos	WOS:000330320600037
keywords	Imagination; product design; emotional; interactive design; ARDUINO
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:50

_id	sigradi2012_214
id	sigradi2012_214
authors	Ibarra, Bárbara; Jové, Clara
year	2012
title	Diseño de estrategias para el consumo responsable de aparatos electrónicos [Design of strategies for responsible consumption of electronic devices]
source	SIGraDi 2012 [Proceedings of the 16th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Brasil - Fortaleza 13-16 November 2012, pp. 149-153
summary	Exploratory, analytical and experimental research held in Santiago, Chile, seeks to propose strategies that encourage responsible consumption of electronic devices (ED) for young people in order to extend the life of personal computers. Through the study of consumption and users’ behavior with their personal computers and the analysis of stimulus and information founded in ED, this research expects to identify significant aspects that can be incorporated into new design proposals in software and hardware.
keywords	electronic devices (ED); consumption; young user; interface; e-waste
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:53

_id	sigradi2012_377
id	sigradi2012_377
authors	Jerez, Felipe; Narbona, Paloma; Valenzuela, Nicolás
year	2012
title	Ventajas y desventajas de pizarra interactiva de bajo costo en comparación a otros dispositivos de interfaz humana, enfocado al sketching y planificación de diseño [Advantages and disadvantages of Low-cost-infrared-interactive-whiteboard in comparison to other devices of human interface, focused to sketching and planning of design]
source	SIGraDi 2012 [Proceedings of the 16th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Brasil - Fortaleza 13-16 November 2012, pp. 196-199
summary	This research tends to adapt and apply a evaluative analysis method, refered to Human Interface Devices in the area of computer assisted design (CAD). For this evaluation, user based experiences will be developed, where digital sketching task will be done, using HID devices as Mouse, Wacom tablet and Low-cost-infrared-interactive-whiteboard developed by Johnny Chung Lee (WiiMote Whiteboard). Goal is to determine comparative benefits and downsides between this HID devices in digital sketching.
keywords	Pizarra interactiva de bajo coste; Dispositivos de Interfaz Humana HID; Interacción Humano – Computador HCI; Bocetaje digital
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:53

_id	ecaade2012_83
id	ecaade2012_83
authors	Jones, Paulo; Eloy, Sara; Ricardo, Rui; Dias, Miguel Sales
year	2012
title	Architectural Rehabilitation and Conservation Processes Informed by Augmented Reality
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2012.2.411
source	Achten, Henri; Pavlicek, Jiri; Hulin, Jaroslav; Matejovska, Dana (eds.), Digital Physicality - Proceedings of the 30th eCAADe Conference - Volume 2 / ISBN 978-9-4912070-3-7, Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Architecture (Czech Republic) 12-14 September 2012, pp. 411-418
summary	The goal of the presented research is to explore human-machine interaction and to study how Augmented Reality (AR) may be a potential tool to inform Architectural Rehabilitation and Conservation processes. Nowadays obtaining data to inform both marchitecture projects and real estate investments is a very bureaucratic process. City councils technicians suffers from the same diffi culties when are in fi eldwork to do inspections and lack a complete sort of information. This proposal considers that the use of mobile technologies as smart phones and tablets can empower these technicians to obtain building related data. The specifi c goal of the study aims to develop a data model and an interface that can be made available to professionals which allows an efficiently reply to the user’s needs as the system enables the gathering of updated information considering a particular building.
wos	WOS:000330320600043
keywords	Augmented reality; interface; architecture; rehabilitation; data
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:52

_id	sigradi2012_314
id	sigradi2012_314
authors	Kotsopoulos, Sotirios; Farina, Carla; Casalegno, Federico
year	2012
title	Designing an Interactive Architectural Element for a Responsive House
source	SIGraDi 2012 [Proceedings of the 16th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Brasil - Fortaleza 13-16 November 2012, pp. 369-372
summary	This paper presents the features and the reasoning followed in the process of designing a programmable architectural element for a prototype house – a interactive façade involving a matrix of programmable windows. The façade contributes to the precise adjustment of view, airflow, solar radiation, and heat, by allowing the automated modification of the chromatism, the angle and the light transmittance of each individual window.
keywords	Electroactive materials; autonomous control; interactive façade; performance; aesthetics
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:54

_id	acadia12_269
id	acadia12_269
authors	Lally, Sean
year	2012
title	Architecture of an Active Context
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2012.269
source	ACADIA 12: Synthetic Digital Ecologies [Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA) ISBN 978-1-62407-267-3] San Francisco 18-21 October, 2012), pp. 269-276
summary	As we stand with our feet on earth’s outermost surface we build an architecture today that is much like it was several thousand years earlier, in an attempt to extend that outer shell with one of our own making. Artificial masses are built from a refinement of this existing geologic layer into materials of stone, steel, concrete, and glass that assemble to produce new pockets of space through the buildings they create. However, the sixth century BC writer Thales of Miletus put a different perspective on this: he insisted that we live, in reality, not on the summit of a solid earth but at the bottom of an ocean of air (Holmyard 1931). And so, as architecture continues to build up the outermost layer of earth’s surface through a mimicking, embellishing, and enhancing of the materials which it comes from, it raises the question of why we have not brought a similar relationship to the materialities at the bottom of this “ocean” of air to create the spaces we call architecture. If you were looking to level a complaint with the architectural profession, stating that it has not been ambitious enough in scope would not be one. Architects have never shied away from the opportunity to design everything from the building’s shell to the teaspoon used to stir your sugar in its matching cup. But it would seem that the profession has developed a rather large blind spot in terms of what it sees as a malleable material with which to engage. Architects have made assumptions as to what is beyond our scope of action, refraining from engaging a range of material variables due to a belief that the task would be too great or simply beyond our physical control. So even though we are enveloped by them continuously, both on the exterior as well as the interior of our buildings, it must be assumed that the particles, waves, and frequencies of energy that move around us are thought by architects to be too faint and shaky to unload upon them any heavy obligations, that they are too unwieldy for us to control to create the physical boundaries of separation, security, and movement required of architecture. This has resulted in a cultivated set of blinders that essentially defines architecture as a set of mediation devices (surfaces, walls, and inert masses) for tempering the environmental context it is situated in from the individuals and activities within. The spaces we inhabit are defined by their ability to decide what gets in and what stays out (sunlight, precipitation, winds). We place our organizational demands and aesthetic opinions on the surfaces that mediate these variables rather than seeing them as available for manipulation as a building material on their own. The intention here is to recalibrate the materialities that make up that environmental context to build architecture. The starting point is a rather naive question: can we design the energy systems that course in and around us daily as an architectural material so as to take on the needs of activities, securities, and lifestyles associated with architecture? Can the variables that we would normally mediate against instead be heightened and amplified so as to become the architecture itself? That which many would incorrectly dismiss as simply “air” today—thought to be homogeneous, scale-less, and vacant due in part to the limits of our human sensory system to perceive more fully otherwise—might tomorrow be further articulated, populated, and layered so as to become a materiality that will build spatial boundaries, define activities of individuals and movement, and act as architectural space. Our environmental context consists of a diverse range of materials (particles and waves of energy, spectrum of light, sound waves, and chemical particles) that can be manipulated and formed to meet our needs. The opportunity before us today is to embrace the needs of organizational structures and aesthetics by designing the active context that surrounds us through the material energies that define it.
keywords	Material energies
series	ACADIA
type	normal paper
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:52

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