wk6 Reflection - Architecture of Imformation

Reflection - ARCHITECTURE AS INFORMATION
425 words
Undeniably computers have had a profound impact on architectural design over the last half
century. While architects are ostensibly faced with the dilemma of how to use this technique,
deeper still is the reflection and adjustment of design logic.
I was surprised at how early computers were involved in architectural design. The SOM, for
example, proposed in the 1960s that computers should execute the duties of draftsmen and
even designers1. Computers break the long-standing balance of handmake models and
drawings as substitutes for each other with machine-readable models. All architectural
elements can be tagged and stored as canonical modules. I have experienced the benefits of
such systems when learning design software such as Revit. A Revit model is constructed by
assembling components including windows, doors, and stairs repeatedly. This saves time
and ensures the standardisation and accuracy of the drawings. Like Eastman's analysis, the
building description system brings a sense of efficiency and precision2.
The same logic that allows each defined pattern to create a combination is also present in the
pattern language proposed by Alexander. He identified human activity as the basis for setting
space as the main purpose of his exploration, in an attempt to develop universal principles of
habitation .Alexander believed that the 235 patterns created could be expertly combined to
generate a vibrant society3. It is doubtful whether such a precisely calculated uniform paradigm
inhibits more possibilities for the urban and built world? This pattern ignores numerous
influences that shape the living environment, such as cultural background, and can therefore
lead to homogenisation, although this was the original intention of Alexander - to ensure an
environment is created that captures the quality without a name4.
1
Robert Bruegmann, “The Pencil and the Electronic Sketchboard: Architectural Representation and the Computer,” in In Architecture
and Its Image. Edited by Eve Blau and Edward Kaufman (Montreal: Canadian Center for Architecture, 1989), 141.
2
Charles Eastman, “The Use of Computers Instead of Drawings in Building Design,” in AIA Journal (Washington, DC: American Institute
of Architects, 1975), 46–50.

3
Christopher Alexander, Sarah Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein, A Pattern Language (New York: Oxford University Press, 1977), x.
4
Michael J. Dawes, M.J. Ostwald, “Christopher Alexander’s A Pattern Language: analysing, mapping and classifying the critical
Weakening the spatial character reminds me of my group project in AD3: Exploration- using
exhibition to investigate the fungibility of architecture. Groupmate mixes up the projects of two
architects, Zaha and MAD, who specialise in parametric design, worldwide and invites the
public to choose Zaha's work. Almost as expected, few people made the right choice; some
even assuredly analysed how MAD's work had the characteristics of Zaha. Enlighteningly, with
parametric design on the rise, it is worth exploring whether it could become a new crisis. If the
generative logic of parametric design can be applied anywhere, at any time, the strategy will
not result in a new lease of life for architecture, but in yet another reproducible design blunder.
Just as modern architecture lacks regional sensitivity, it has become a mechanised model that
can be mass-produced and devoid of vitality and dynamism.
Fig.1 Heyda aliyev centre by Zaha Hadid Architects5
Fig.2 Harbin cultural centre by MAD Architects6
response,” City Territ Archit 4, 17 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40410-017-0073-1.

5
Iwan Baan, Heyda aliyev centre, Zaha Hadid Architects, 2013, https://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/heydar-aliyev-centre/.
6
Adam Mørk, Harbin cultural centre, MAD Architects, Jan 2017, http://www.i-mad.com/zh-hans/work/harbin-cultural-center-2/?cid=17
Bibliography
Alexander, Christopher, Sarah Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein. A Pattern Language. New York:
Oxford University Press, 1977.
Bruegmann, Robert. “The Pencil and the Electronic Sketchboard: Architectural Representation and the
Computer”. In Architecture and Its Image. Edited by Eve Blau and Edward Kaufman. Montreal:
Canadian Center for Architecture, 1989.
Eastman, Charles. “The Use of Computers Instead of Drawings in Building Design.” AIA Journal.
(1975): 46-50.
Michael J. Dawes, M.J. Ostwald, “Christopher Alexander’s A Pattern Language: analysing, mapping
and classifying the critical response,” City Territ Archit 4, 17 (2017).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40410-017-0073-1.
Figures
Fig.1 Baan, Iwan. Heyda aliyev centre. Zaha Hadid Architects. 2013.
https://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/heydar-aliyev-centre/.
Fig.2 Mørk, Adam. Harbin cultural centre. MAD Architects. Jan 2017.
http://www.i-mad.com/zh-hans/work/harbin-cultural-center-2/?cid=17.

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Reflection - ARCHITECTURE AS INFORMATION

deeper still is the reflection and adjustment of design logic.

building description system brings a sense of efficiency and precision2.

environment is created that captures the quality without a name4.

of Architects, 1975), 46–50.

can be mass-produced and devoid of vitality and dynamism.

Fig.1 Heyda aliyev centre by Zaha Hadid Architects5

Fig.2 Harbin cultural centre by MAD Architects6

response,” City Territ Archit 4, 17 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40410-017-0073-1.

Oxford University Press, 1977.

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