EMERGENT FORM: History, Tools and Practitioners

ABSTRACT:

Emergence: The way complex systems and patterns arise out of a multiplicity.

Currently there seems to be a trend in architecture leading towards the development of complex systems based upon biology, engineering and complex geometries. Within this style there are different methods used to generate form such as algorithms, proximity variables, angle analysis, and biomimicry. This method which we will investigate is described as Emergent Architecture.

This idea has evolved considerably since the original idea of L- systems and biometric form was discovered over 50 years ago. There have been a variety of methods used to investigate this topic. The most prevalent of these methods was created by a group called the Emergent Design Group based out of MIT. They have mixed people from different disciplines to develop a toolbox that creates form which responds to its environment and other influences of the world that it is part of.

For architects this field of study offers the possibility of form that is more a product of its environmnet and purpose than that which could be created with specific intention. Emergent shape relates to the nature and necessity of form, such as the way an ant colony will create a complex geometry simply by functioning. Or the phenomenon of water in which hydrogen and oxygen which are not especially interesting in themselves nor do they
possess any physical properties that are similar to water. But when combined they form an extremely interesting and essential compound.

"Key to the work is the phenomenon of emergence which offers insight into the way
apparently isolated bodies, particles, or systems exhibit group behavior in coherent, but unexpected, patterns. The animated beauty of emergent organizations, such as in swarms or hives, points to a range of real architectural potentials where components are always linked and always exchanging information, and above all, where architectural wholes exceed the sum of their parts." ⁽¹⁾

KEYWORDS:

Emergent Form, Generative Processes, Evolutionary Algorithms

You can download PDF presentation from the link.

Ubiquitus Culture in Architecture

ABSTRACT:
This paper describes the idea of ubiquitous computing and particularly its applications in architecture through different examples that explores these applications in different scales. After following many steps computing nowadays is escaping from the conditions of a single object,( the p.c) to expand in physical space, in our environment. The concept of post-desktop models together with human-computer interaction is what Mark Weiser called "The Dawning Age of Ubiquitous Computing"the era that we have already entered. Starting from the scale of a single floor or a façade, we then analyse one of the first architectural examples of interaction the Kunsthaus to finish with the description of the u- city(u=ubiquitous)in the city of Incheron (South Corea) one of the latest and few examples of this notion that is already under construction.After checking the different systems that these examples are using we introduce three reconsiderations that emerge from the tendency of ubiquity: the notion of “situations”as developed in architecture after the first definition that the situationists implied, the idea of memory in the frame of new type of storing information in the buildings and the notion of controlling systems and privacy especially when referring to a whole city.

Keywords: ubiquitous computing, interaction, controlling system, interactive surface, Kaunsthaus, u-city, memory

HYPERBODIES: Complex Adaptive Dynamic Multi-Agent Systems (CADMAS) as Self-Sufficient Sustainable Environments of Inhabitance (SS SEI)

ABSTRACT:
Considering the question of sustainability and not only focusing in bio-climatic matters, a way of approaching this problem would be generating Complex Dynamic Adaptive Multi-Agent Systems (CADMAS) as environments of inhabitance. Not only because of the properties and characteristics mentioned in the paper of adaptive systems; able to shift and automatically adapt to their environmental conditions as represented in the work of Kas Oosterhuis. but also as a potential to grow by auto-re-generating processes. The much referenced term of ‘hyperbody’ used typically to describe a situation between the digital and the real, we feel is perhaps better suited to a concept of self sufficient sustainability, based on the CADMAS principal. This is the basis of sustainability in terms of self-sufficiency defined as ‘auto-poiesis’ (Maruyama 1963). The paper develops principals of this ‘hyperbody’ and through discussion of Complex Adaptive, Emergent, Auto-Reproductive and Auto-Organizational Systems, suggests principals for how a new kind of sustainable architecture might be derived.

ADVANCED DESIGN PROCESSES

ADVANCED DESIGN PROCESSES
New technologies new solutions

ABSTRACT:

Following some examples of contemporary architecture like (examples), we realize that the integration of industrial processes, new digital software’s, manufacturing tools and automated machines are helping in the exercise of architecture in terms of design process and the actual construction of architecture. Frank Ghery’s Der Neue Zollhof buildings in Düsseldorf, Germany, where he used CNC machines to generate forms in order to make pre cast concrete component for the realization of the project. It’s unfeasible to number exactly how many engineering processes are being used these days on the manufacture of industrial products from bottles, tires, to cloths, cars and so on, furthermore impossible to count the amount of automated machines used in each industrial process. Since we notice that some architects are using machines or manufacturing processes to generate architecture and also the majority is using the same machines, consequently we found attractive to study different machines or processes in order to question it from an architectural point of view trying to obtain benefits for the exercise of architecture. Therefore we are going to look at 4D CAD, PET blowing process and Vulcanization process.

KEYWORDS: Design processes, technologies, 4D CAD, 3D modeling, vertical extension, Vulcanization, PET blowing, rubber, form, recycle, machines;

Slide presentation here

FORMS AND TECTONICS OF EMERGENT ARCHITECTURE

FORMS AND TECTONICS OF EMERGENT ARCHITECTURE
An Educated Guess based upon study of Emergent Cellular Aggregations.


ABSTRACT:
The basis of this Research Paper thus is exploring the Idea of Emergence in Architecture by virtue of its Forms and Tectonics. The Research attempts to do an analogous reading between Emergence in Architecture and Emergence of Microscopic Biological systems. The objective of the research is not about the Biological Accuracy but about finding out Morphogenetic Principles those represents the Efficiency, Flexibility and Robustness present in them. The first part of the research elaborates the idea of Emergence in Architecture with help of few writings and works by Architect Tom Wiscombe while the later part studies Emergence of Cellular Aggregations with examples of Slime Mould and Lichen. The Research concludes by the Architectonic Principles observed in those Systems.

KEYWORDS:
Emergence, Bottom-up Method, Cellular Aggregation, Self Similar, Slime Mould, Lichen.

Final Presentation

The Final Presentation will take place at IAAC's Lecture Hall, starting at 4pm. Guest jury include:
- Marta Malé-Alemany
_Architect, MArch, Principal at ReD, IAAC Professor
- Mauro Costa
_Architect, MArch, PhD Candidate (Bionic Architecture) at ESARQ-UIC
- Miguel Carreiro
_Architect, Project Architect at Enric Ruiz Geli / Cloud9 office in Barcelona


Each group will have 6 minutes to present the class an overview of their research paper, with the support of 8 images projected in a powerpoint.
Here is tentative schedule:

_16:00 - INTRO
_16:15 - Presentations 01, 02, 03, 04
_16:45 - Discussion
_17:00 - Presentations 05, 06, 07, 08
_17:30 - Discussion
_17:45 - Break
_18:00 - Presentations 09, 10, 11, 12
_18:30 - Discussion
_18:45 - Presentations 13, 14, 15, 16
_19:00 - Discussion
_19:45 - Presentations 17, 18
_20.00 - Discussion
_20:15 - END

Research Papers - Submission List

Here is the list of Research Papers and related information (8 images + blog post) submitted until now. If there is any incorrection, please comment about it.
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G01: "Rejecting Materiality. In-Forming Forms"
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G02: "Advanced Design Processes"
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G03: "Mass-Customization and the PreFab House"
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G04: "Emergent Form. History, Tools and Practicioners."
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G05: "Nanotechnologies and Architecture"
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G06: "Forms and Tectonics of Emergent Architecture"
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G07: "Tradition Revised"
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G08: "Emergent Design Process"
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G09: "DNArch"
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G10: "Clouds in the Bottles"
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G11: "Tech is More?"
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G12: "Collective Intelligence in the Process of Real-Time Environment Reprogramming"
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G13: "Ubiquitius Culture in Architecture"
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G14: "The Relationship between Design and Engineering"
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G15: "Hyperbodies: CADMAS as SS SEI"
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G16: "Digital Technologie's Implementation on Urban Design"
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G17: "Coherence and Chronology in Digital Design Manifestation"
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G18: "The Reform of Architecture Through the Use of Digital Technologies"
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Coherence and Chronology in Digital Design Manifestation

ABSTRACT

Today architects take advantage of great possibilities using computational design tools in order to design, model, generate and develop three dimensional models using CAD software, scipts and mathematical algorithms. Still, the greatest challenge is to think about new technologies in order to fabricate 3D design structures on a realistic scale.

For example the idea of “parameters” has impregnated the digital world. Today it is possible to find design products and prototypes that respond directly to a set of parameters that have been planed out or developed to fit a specific need.

Robert Aish has archived the most impressive works in this field.

François Roche of R&Sie architects attempts seeking a form of a dialogue with it that is entropic and organic. In his project I’ve heard about… his idea was to create an urban structure growing out of itsself. The project brings together an interesting amount of emergent digital tools.

William Gibson founded the term “cyberspace” in his novel Neuromancer. He used this new term for environments, made possible by the networking of computers, where characters inhabited virtually. Marcos Novak took Gibson’s description as the starting point for his own theoretical and artistic explorations. He defines the term of “liquid architectures in cyberspace” to include new attitudes toward the organization of information. While mapping three-dimensional algorithmic composition onto cyberspace he composes variations of information, another as a three dimensional shape.

The movement toward digital building simulation will re-instill the understanding that architects indeed play a vital, central, and pivotal role in the design and construction processes. “Building Information Modeling” systems organize the information surrounding a building project in one or more databases. Using this technology, the architect does not directly make drawings, but enters information in these databases using a variety of means.

The age of digital Design and digital building simulation is an emergent discussion in actual architecture debates.

Digital Technologies’ implementation on urban design

ABSTRACT

Investigation of the changes of urban design taking place as a result of pervasive digital technology. Specifically, how digital technologies can change the way of designing and maintaining the urban space, the placement and reception of information about the city, the process of buying and selling , the way people meet in the city and finally the movements.

The approach of the research will be the analysis of example projects , analysis of prospects and analysis of developed technological systems (such as Wireless Communication, Location Awareness, Displays and Location Specific Information.)

Based on the analysis of the examples, we will try to respond to the following questions.
Will our use of the city change as media and communication technologies enters everyday life?
Are these new technologies going to change the city image and how?
Will the use of digital technologies in urban design improve the liveability of the city?
Who will benefit from this process and how?

PRESENTATION

You can download the final 8 slide presentation of our paper here

The Relationship between Design and Engineering

ABSTRACT:

Digital Technology, or binary controlled ways of processing and storing data, provides for a common conversion of various problems into a single mode of operation. These were previously managed by separate consultancies, requiring laborious management and organizational investment. In other words, digital technology forms a common platform where many issues can be related to each other and be resolved using a common language, enabling a more diverse view. Both literally and metaphorically, the conversion of all languages into 0s and 1s allows for such an interaction.

The Finite Element Method has been developed over the second half of the last century and is being utilized with the emerging digital technologies in the analysis of many aspects of the design world. Programs such as AnSys and Abaqus are software based on the finite element method (FEM) applied to simulate many engineering issues ranging from the very basic to complicated non-linear questions. They are technologies that have been developed for the last 20 years and are ever changing to meet the engineering needs of today. This research will look into FEM as well as how it is used with the Abaqus software suite.

The suite consists of Abaqus/Standard, Abaqus/Explicit, and Abaqus/CAE. Abaqus Standard is applied to static, low-speed dynamic, or steady-state transport analisis; while Abaqus/Explicit may be applied to those portions of the analysis where high-speed, nonlinear, transient response dominates the solution. Using Abaqus CAE one can create geometry, import CAD models for meshing or integrate geometry - based meshes that do not have associated CAD geometry. Abaqus/CAE also offers comprehensive visualization options which enable users to interpret and communicate the results of any Abaqus analysis.

The software is used by engineers working in fields of aerospace, defense, automotive & transportation, industrial design, such as furniture and packaging (including both the design and the production process), high-tech, industrial equipment, service industry, shipbuilding, power process & petroleum industry, life sciences, and most certainly, in the field of architecture and construction. The program is quite limitless in its scope.

The broad range of uses of the FEM based software presents a notable point of integration between fields. One analysis of a field, such as industrial design, can raise questions in any number of other fields. With so many options of use the suite allows for an open dialogue between design fields, in a way becoming a tool of translation between the different domains of design and engineering. This exchange between different fields can create more efficient, safer and better overall designs in each of the involved fields.

This paper will make an in depth investigation of the Finite Element Method as well as how it is being used with software interfaces. The aim of the paper is to establish a dialogue between engineers and designers, with the objective of giving designers the basic information about the method and the technology so as to have more in productive conversations with engineers.

G03: mass-customisation & the prefabricated house

Is it possible to find a solution in which everyone can generate their own custom prefabricated house?
As more advanced levels of digital technology are incorporated into housing design, we will begin to see a prefabricated house that is truly unique. Through the utilization of mass-production and digital fabrication techniques, a customised prefabricated house could be entirely unique, designed specifically for an occupants needs. In turn this offers personalized, unique and affordable house that would be available to the general public, making architecture more accessible.

COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE IN THE PROCESS OF REAL-TIME ENVIRONEMENT REPROGRAMMING

William J. Mitchell claims that we are already living in the first century of “after dematerialization era”, but the paper’s aim is to prove, that we might enter it only after moving contemporary performative architecture design process from the realm of the negotiation between possible and real to the negotiation of virtual and real (Pierre Levy).
The inquiry begins with both research on contemporary architectural practices that experiment with performative environments and a look at different modes of production, developed by emerging web-enabled collective intelligence.
ONL, Hyperbody Research Group, Decoi and RAMTV are taken as examples of architectural practices. The vocabulary and ways of theorizing the attempts of creating a responsive environment, as well as specific design strategies and means of augmenting the physical structure are at the area of interest. The design strategies are examined against Pierre Levy’s idea of virtual, that bears the possibility of actualization and possible that bears the possibility of realization. Relation to materiality and inquiry into materials being currently developed is another area of study in the context of the tangibles environment.
Regarding the means of production developed by the collective intelligence, peer producing and prosumerizm are of particular interest in the inquiry. The paper looks at the platforms of communication used in different communities, depending on the final production outcome. Also questions about possibilities for applying particular mean of production for creation of tangibles are asked.
The conclusion is introduced in a form of a manifesto for collective intelligence in the process of real time environment reprogramming. Design strategies “against the program” and “pro reprogramming” are sketched in the context of augmented spatial environments.

DNArch

ABSTRACT:
Deoxyribonucleic acid, or as it is mostly known DNA, is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. Scientists have not only managed to translate this code, but also to manipulate it. Cell characteristics and functions can now be altered, only by inputting different genes in their genetic code.
This scientific revolution could become an important tool in architectural processes, as well. Genetic architecture does not focus only on the organic biomorphic forms, but also on the ways Nature develops itself. Genetic manipulated bio-materials have already been developed and could be introduced in building structures. Moreover, architects like Alberto T. Estévez, are visioning the “living building” which consists of alive elements and finally recreates the environment. Synthetic Biology has already started investigating the development of artificial life-like cells, which can evolve and be self-reproduced and self-maintained. These alive bricks are potential to become the “bricks” of the new architecture organisms…

'Clouds in the Bottles'

ABSTRACT:

Ever since there was a desire to design invisible…
Considering philosophy of phenomenology, beginning from Merleau Ponty and his ‘Phenomenology of Perception’, ending on Steven Holl and his way of understanding architecture, we could think of architecture dealing with the phenomenological approach, with spaces generated simply by phenomena – any observable occurrences. Defining space by smell, light and sound could create a wide range of potential directions, in which architecture could aim in the near future.
The new, potential approach to contemporary architecture could be compressed in the void. Amplifying its geometrical and spatial characteristics by emphasizing the already existing there phenomena, could create infinite design possibilities. It provides potential for designing spaces that on the one hand would be strictly defined, but on the other hand would play with the weaknesses of human perception and use it to create illusion of immateriality. Furthermore there appears a question how to balance defining and limiting space with its immaterial aspect.
Architecture operating with phenomena would add new qualities to the traditional approach, offering spaces that could be freely penetrated, entered and left without having to cross any physical barrier.
Moreover, considering recent development of nanotechnologies, mobile and wireless technologies, geographical information systems, sensors and long-range interaction systems and digital technologies, we could think of creating that kind of space by constructing those phenomena artificially. New available materials, which one of physical features has been reduced, provide undiscovered possibilities of implementation into the design process.
Architecture of the void, offering its physical no-existence and sensor experiences is a challenge for both designers and users, creating infinite design possibilities and opening wide spectrum of new spatial qualities.