2012.05.24 18:06
the ethics of parametricism/emergent architectural thought and reification
I somewhat feel the need to make clear that my view of parametrics and biomimetics is largely based and focused on the images that each 'discipline' generates. I played with the notions of imagination as the computational construction of images and imagination as the mental construction of images. I understand that there is also the potential to manufacture the computational images, but such manufacture is not exclusive to parametrics or biomimetics--I have a lot of 3d data that could be manufactured, and most of it is not parametric or biomimetic.
tammuz, it's unfortunate that your OP is not seen for the constructive criticism that it is--essentially drop the metaphors and use the skill sets toward real world applications or at least toward an applicable theory of building/architectural design.
I thought you might be referring to Somol, Whiting, etc., but what actual designs reflect their 'theory'? (I'm asking because I'd then better understand your point.) I personally find OMA's Patent Office, as featured within Content (2004), to be a much more relevant example of design theory for today. Plus just taking note of current design trends, for example:
appositional:
voxelation:
stacked extreme cantilevers:
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mat/box/blob combinations:
Zaha Hadid Architect's Guangzhou Opera House certainly sets a high standard for parametric design. From what I know of the building, I like, and indeed marvel that such a building is possible to build (although there are post-construction problems like leaking and apparently many granite panels have/had to be replaced):
For me personally, I'd like to see parametric design (and biomimetic design) less a closed, hermetic system, rather mixed with other current design trends.
ps
Thanks Xenakis for your last pdf link; I'll use the plans of the Phillips Pavilion to try to construct a CAD model of the pavilion.
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2012.05.24 11:45
the ethics of parametricism/emergent architectural thought and reification
Sorry for posting the same image again, but I want to add one more thing about it: there is not a single curved line within the entire image; the whole image is composed of straight lines. I realize the notion of mimicry here--straight lines 'mimicing' curves--is narrow, but I'll stay with the notion of imagining the image as something other than what it really is. My intention is not to discount at all what you first said about mimicry, and it looks like I too am guilty of not being true to the metaphor.
On adjusting the imagination, I'd say there are seven main imaginations to adjust into: extreme imagination, fertile imagination, assimilating imagination, metabolic imagination, osmotic imagination, electro-magnetic imagination, all-frequency imagination. tammuz, I'm not putting you off, but I really don't have that much time today--maybe have this 'adjusting the imagination' discussion in another thread?
I'm familiar with Eisenman and his work, but I don't know who the post-critical architectural (anti-theory) theorists are, so I can't answer your question. (Again, maybe put this discussion in another thread, because I am interested in pursuing the "role of figurative/ associative/referential" at least with you.)
Since white fang says that there is in fact a parametric process/design that is able to imagine itself differently than how it is programmed to imagine itself, can someone provide an example or point (us) in the direction of such a thing?
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