Form fitness explorations in Architecture.


Seeking to escape site-specific narratives, programmatic limitations and typological control; this class will explore architecture’s own generative and material capacities to become an organizational mechanism that relates to function.

During this academic term, we will make use of thorough digital experimentation. The use of advanced NURBS operations, computational fluid dynamics and parametric growth engines will be critical to challenge the formal conventions of building envelope and supporting systems—skin/surface/structure and the complexity of boundary definers, tectonic values and circulation areas.

Starting from the study of reference objects, we will identify particular relationships between form and performance, followed by a series of dynamic analyses that would define strategies for form optimization. Using the resultant geometry information as a driver, students will digitally model and modify the original profiles to satisfy the requirements of two architectural applications that will vary in scale.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Assignment 01:MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Phase1:Documentation
The term morphology comes from classical Greek (morphe) and means the study of shape or form. It is concerned with the structure and arrangement of parts of an object, and how these conform (i.e. fit together) to create a whole or Gestalt[1]. The morphological analysis will seek to demonstrate the student’s critical, strategic and analytical thinking and how is this applied to describe the logic of form and its function.

Within this first assignment, we will study the form of physical objects and its relation with performance. Starting from direct observation, documented with photographs and hand drawings, students will proceed to diagram essential features of their selected reference object.

Students may analyze (not limited to):
-Scale and Proportions: How is the shape of the object related to its size?
-Componentry: What elements/parts constitute the object? How are these joined/put together?
-Aesthetic Correspondence: Is the appearance of the object defined by its exterior-interior relationship?
-Kinetic Qualities: How is the shape of the object related to motion? Is this mainly a static or moving object?
-Tectonic Value: Is there consistency in the configuration of the object? Is there a structural purpose for it?
-and more…

Team up into groups of 3. Gather information specific to the physical characteristics of the studied object. Each student should provide very brief written commentary that would help to better explain the area of research.
[1]. From Modeling Complex Socio-Technical Systems using Morphological Analysis. Swedish Morphological Society, 2003-2008.
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