My website has been updated. It reflects a lot of what has been already included here as well as some newer work.
Here is my final book for this semester.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Out with the Old & In with the New
I am in the process of further developing and refining my thesis through documentation in a form of a book and updating my thesis website. In order to maintain documentation of where I have been in relation to where I am going I am posting my older work (abstract, thesis statement, criteria, etc) to this blog.
Abstract (until 12-13-09)
Within the architectural discipline are a variety of dichotomies or juxtapositions which are typically treated and discussed as binary entities. This thesis seeks to utilize and expand the ambiguity that exists in specific architecture dualities, as they start to co-exist within the same space, to exploit a both~and condition through an understanding of the relationships between the two adjacent entities. The dualities that will be explored, both independently and in relationship to each other, are solid versus void, figure versus ground, and presence versus absence. Dualities as binary conditions ignore the underlying dynamics and therefore result in traditional spatial, cultural and philosophical relationships. A both~and condition will blur these relationships to reveal new entities and interstitial conditions.
Thesis Statement (until 12-13-09)
This thesis derives from the understanding that there are inherent natural dualities that exist within our natural world. One such duality is wave~particle. The understanding of light exhibiting two very different sets of properties was an important development in physics that resulted from quantum mechanics. The introduction of quantum physics and relativity marked a change in the our understanding of our world. Newtonian principles and Cartesian grids were no longer the only way to describe the world. Quantum physics revealed very strange ideas of how the world works. For example, Heisenburg’s uncertainty principle states that certain physical properties, such as position and momentum, cannot be known together to equal levels of precision. As the certainty of one property rises the certainty of the other property falls. This creates ambiguity throughout the whole spectrum of possibilities, where the middle contains both the same amount of ambiguity and information. Architecture throughout history has been a reflection of the philosophical, ideological, theological, and scientific understanding of its contemporary world therefore, it concludes that when there is a shift in world-view, architecture should become a tool in understanding and communicating the new ideas. Charles Jencks states, “When there is a change in the basic framework of thought then there has to be a shift in the architecture because this, like other forms of cultural expression, is embedded in the reigning mental paradigms.” The duality conditions in architecture have the opportunity to mimic this ambiguity that exist in dualities outside of the architectural discipline. The architectural dualities can create a interstitial condition that blurs the line between the two entities.
Understanding the both~and condition in architecture has been approached in several ways. Peter Eisenman uses de-authorship to create the interstitial condition. He removes himself from the direct design process by using an approach that produces architecture through the dialogue that arises from the combination of two diagrams. Similarly, Jeffrey Kipnia understands the interstitial condition by designing using two opposing approaches. He looks at the design process as the duality that can exist in architecture. This thesis seeks to produce a both~and condition through several approaches.
The term “both~and” lends itself to Boolean operations in digital modeling. Boolean operations process two or more entities through a relationship function: union, intersection, or difference. When dealing with geometries, these operations are very straightforward however, when applied to spatial conditions it starts to get complicated since Boolean operations work as a “or” condition being formed from a 0 or 1 language. Both~and also can describe an overlapping condition. What happens with two ideas, systems, dualities, opposites overlap each other? The result can be a simple sum of the parts that make the whole. This would be when the two entities never interfere or blend together. However, the result can also be greater than the whole which is what this thesis is seeking.
Criteria (until 12-13-09)
Interstitial - A successful blurring of a duality will occur when the result is not a side by side condition but rather produces a third condition. The in-between entity or interstitial condition.
Meshwork - Dualities set up hierarchical conditions where one element becomes the primary condition and the other element is secondary and supportive. A successful blurring will remove this hierarchy so the duality exists within a meshwork.
Simplicity - (not simpleness) maintains simplicity of program in order to explore and highlight the depths of the duality.
Variety of Scales - understanding of the duality will be achieved through a variety of scales that will allow the blurring to occur at multiple conceptual levels.
Synergy - The whole (or third condition from above) will be greater than the sum of its parts.
Abstract (until 12-13-09)
Within the architectural discipline are a variety of dichotomies or juxtapositions which are typically treated and discussed as binary entities. This thesis seeks to utilize and expand the ambiguity that exists in specific architecture dualities, as they start to co-exist within the same space, to exploit a both~and condition through an understanding of the relationships between the two adjacent entities. The dualities that will be explored, both independently and in relationship to each other, are solid versus void, figure versus ground, and presence versus absence. Dualities as binary conditions ignore the underlying dynamics and therefore result in traditional spatial, cultural and philosophical relationships. A both~and condition will blur these relationships to reveal new entities and interstitial conditions.
Thesis Statement (until 12-13-09)
This thesis derives from the understanding that there are inherent natural dualities that exist within our natural world. One such duality is wave~particle. The understanding of light exhibiting two very different sets of properties was an important development in physics that resulted from quantum mechanics. The introduction of quantum physics and relativity marked a change in the our understanding of our world. Newtonian principles and Cartesian grids were no longer the only way to describe the world. Quantum physics revealed very strange ideas of how the world works. For example, Heisenburg’s uncertainty principle states that certain physical properties, such as position and momentum, cannot be known together to equal levels of precision. As the certainty of one property rises the certainty of the other property falls. This creates ambiguity throughout the whole spectrum of possibilities, where the middle contains both the same amount of ambiguity and information. Architecture throughout history has been a reflection of the philosophical, ideological, theological, and scientific understanding of its contemporary world therefore, it concludes that when there is a shift in world-view, architecture should become a tool in understanding and communicating the new ideas. Charles Jencks states, “When there is a change in the basic framework of thought then there has to be a shift in the architecture because this, like other forms of cultural expression, is embedded in the reigning mental paradigms.” The duality conditions in architecture have the opportunity to mimic this ambiguity that exist in dualities outside of the architectural discipline. The architectural dualities can create a interstitial condition that blurs the line between the two entities.
Understanding the both~and condition in architecture has been approached in several ways. Peter Eisenman uses de-authorship to create the interstitial condition. He removes himself from the direct design process by using an approach that produces architecture through the dialogue that arises from the combination of two diagrams. Similarly, Jeffrey Kipnia understands the interstitial condition by designing using two opposing approaches. He looks at the design process as the duality that can exist in architecture. This thesis seeks to produce a both~and condition through several approaches.
The term “both~and” lends itself to Boolean operations in digital modeling. Boolean operations process two or more entities through a relationship function: union, intersection, or difference. When dealing with geometries, these operations are very straightforward however, when applied to spatial conditions it starts to get complicated since Boolean operations work as a “or” condition being formed from a 0 or 1 language. Both~and also can describe an overlapping condition. What happens with two ideas, systems, dualities, opposites overlap each other? The result can be a simple sum of the parts that make the whole. This would be when the two entities never interfere or blend together. However, the result can also be greater than the whole which is what this thesis is seeking.
Criteria (until 12-13-09)
Interstitial - A successful blurring of a duality will occur when the result is not a side by side condition but rather produces a third condition. The in-between entity or interstitial condition.
Meshwork - Dualities set up hierarchical conditions where one element becomes the primary condition and the other element is secondary and supportive. A successful blurring will remove this hierarchy so the duality exists within a meshwork.
Simplicity - (not simpleness) maintains simplicity of program in order to explore and highlight the depths of the duality.
Variety of Scales - understanding of the duality will be achieved through a variety of scales that will allow the blurring to occur at multiple conceptual levels.
Synergy - The whole (or third condition from above) will be greater than the sum of its parts.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Final Presentation Review
The stress of the end of the semester has started to consume me to I have been lacking in blog updates.
I had my final presentation on Friday Dec 4. It was the final checkpoint for the semester. My semester will conclude with the production of a book laying out my case for further investigations for my thesis as well as an update to my official website.
Here is a summary of the final presentation:
My thesis proposal is to exploit the ambiguity that can exist when architectural dualities start to exist in relationship to each other creating a both~and condition which collapses the duality into a third condition. The both~and condition produces the collapsing of the duality.
The moire utilizes a relationships between solid and void or black and white; by juxtaposing the relationships between the dualities (one not dominating the other) the moire is able to provide a both~and condition that collapses the duality into a third, separate condition. This condition starts to form other both~and condition for other dualities. The original moire diagram provides a presence~absence relationships. There is a blurring of what is actually there and what is perceptually implied. Furthermore, this relates to the relationship between two-dimensions and three-dimensionality.
The challenge has been extending the duality of the moire, since it is mostly perception-based, into the third dimension. The both~and condition I explored is perception based.
Feedback:
The work still remains within the graphic performance realm. The 3D offers a perception that flattens itself. This project could progress through understanding how a similar effect that is achieved graphically could be used as an analogy for architectural performance. Can program act like this? (This is what I originally was seeking for my thesis, through the process I have been using I have found it difficult to break from the graphic representation in order to explore spatial relationships.) The experience can shift through time and become a catalyst for the change.
Currently, the project, as represented in drawings, lends itself to a screen wall condition. The models are difference and provide a different effect. The play with distance could be interesting. The city or urban scape finds this conditions throughout where depending on a person's proximity to an element whether it be a building, or a metal-stripe framed trash can, the perception of the object changes.
Is it a visual effect you are trying to achieve? (no) Program can become fuzzy. You mentioned a split personality, this represents a break. These can be moments of threshold that collapse on itself. Is there a way to see the individual elements and still see the effect? Can it work at different levels and scales in that way, where you have equal understanding of the modular elements as you do the field condition as a whole?
The 2D/planar aspect is discrete and have a distinct origin being in the same direction. The multiple points and applying multiplicity on the field push it spatially and figures start to emerge. It starts to provide the blurring and ambiguity as the new figures emerge that are unexpected from the system itself. There could be thresholds within the drawings. Height could be an additional element and become profiles of the secondary. Maybe going back to an if/then statement to help navigate and negotiate the field. Scalar shifts for moires and organization of figures can gain energy from multiple attractors. Push it further. You need an agenda or program for the investigation to help you navigate through the process. Camouflage is a possible one. Camouflaging program, blurring figures, camouflaging program, the building, scale. How do you use this strategy as a designer? Spatial camouflage. Look into stealth technology as a performance based idea. (Fractals are used in stealth technology which plays with scales and how something can look the same at each level of magnification or observation.) Stealth technology works with perception and the bending of light and sound (or wave-based entities.)
Possible reorientation as a parameter. Assemble, mass. The models lack tectonics and structural levels with critical points and connections. Try to approach it without having to use a framework within the model. The model should provide volume that has a integrity of its own. One problem maybe from the model resulting from a 2D based plan system.
Where do you go? What is the path? Is it geometry studies and pushing these geometric based drawings to their limit? Is it finding a modern apparatus for an agenda of organization? Is it about technological systems or math as effect? Systems embedded and other performance?
Possible inspirations are sponge, lattice, lightness, aerogel (can you vary the density to formulate a 3D camo or cloud)
Frank Barklow's 3D laser cut tubes offer an vector extruded to project light. The length of the extrusion varies. Similar to a Baroque language.
You have shown that you are willing to try a variety and different techniques to try to produce and expand into the 3D aspect of this project. The 3D needs to be based more in the built world and material practice. Find the generative ideas and the agenda for the thesis. Is it moire? Camouflage? Right now it still remains flat. It needs to work with variety of scales and distance, depth and revealing. Devise a strategy with material for the conditions. The diagrams can become more of a cross-section that can be built off of. Each diagram can be a section that is built off of where the moire melts away and then reassembles through the 3D space. It needs to get outside of the planar approach. Adding dimensionality through extrusion. Look at something else that does what you want. You need an agenda or situation to be existing within the moire. Find the spatial structure. Overlapping. Get rid of the framework and having something else holding the model up. Projecting moire patterns on a body? Does it give a new reading of the form? Internal construction and surface making. Get away from projection. Find a visual language of performance.
People/ideas/elements to look at:
Hugh Ferris
Fractals
Wallace Harrison (patterning)
Aluminum facade panel for cloaking effect
Sponge
Lattice
Frank Barklow - work with 3D laser cutting
MVDRV
Response:
I am still facing the same problem I have been all semester. Translating the initial diagram into the 3D. My project did get reduces to the moire patterning (visual effects rather than spatial qualities) which was not was I had originally intended. I originally intended for my thesis to be a study of the blurring, overlapping of more performance-based elements or program within a building. I realize now that my original thesis statement did lend itself to a more visual perception based study through my original selection of dualities (solid~void, presence~absence, 2D~3D, figure~ground, etc.) I still feel as though I have the opportunity to develop my thesis into a more performance or program based manipulation.
Currently I am processing through my old abstracts, notes, and drafts to start to pull out what was originally important to me within my thesis idea in order to develop a clearer understanding of what personally drives me in my idea. This will help me to have a better sense of what can be generated design-wise in the idea.
Ultimately, I did not want a thesis to be a facade condition which is what it is right now. I did not want to to be a graphical study. My goal is to now take it into the spatial realm, separate from the graphical moire studies, in order to understand the performance and spatial implications.
I had my final presentation on Friday Dec 4. It was the final checkpoint for the semester. My semester will conclude with the production of a book laying out my case for further investigations for my thesis as well as an update to my official website.
Here is a summary of the final presentation:
My thesis proposal is to exploit the ambiguity that can exist when architectural dualities start to exist in relationship to each other creating a both~and condition which collapses the duality into a third condition. The both~and condition produces the collapsing of the duality.
The moire utilizes a relationships between solid and void or black and white; by juxtaposing the relationships between the dualities (one not dominating the other) the moire is able to provide a both~and condition that collapses the duality into a third, separate condition. This condition starts to form other both~and condition for other dualities. The original moire diagram provides a presence~absence relationships. There is a blurring of what is actually there and what is perceptually implied. Furthermore, this relates to the relationship between two-dimensions and three-dimensionality.
The challenge has been extending the duality of the moire, since it is mostly perception-based, into the third dimension. The both~and condition I explored is perception based.
Feedback:
The work still remains within the graphic performance realm. The 3D offers a perception that flattens itself. This project could progress through understanding how a similar effect that is achieved graphically could be used as an analogy for architectural performance. Can program act like this? (This is what I originally was seeking for my thesis, through the process I have been using I have found it difficult to break from the graphic representation in order to explore spatial relationships.) The experience can shift through time and become a catalyst for the change.
Currently, the project, as represented in drawings, lends itself to a screen wall condition. The models are difference and provide a different effect. The play with distance could be interesting. The city or urban scape finds this conditions throughout where depending on a person's proximity to an element whether it be a building, or a metal-stripe framed trash can, the perception of the object changes.
Is it a visual effect you are trying to achieve? (no) Program can become fuzzy. You mentioned a split personality, this represents a break. These can be moments of threshold that collapse on itself. Is there a way to see the individual elements and still see the effect? Can it work at different levels and scales in that way, where you have equal understanding of the modular elements as you do the field condition as a whole?
The 2D/planar aspect is discrete and have a distinct origin being in the same direction. The multiple points and applying multiplicity on the field push it spatially and figures start to emerge. It starts to provide the blurring and ambiguity as the new figures emerge that are unexpected from the system itself. There could be thresholds within the drawings. Height could be an additional element and become profiles of the secondary. Maybe going back to an if/then statement to help navigate and negotiate the field. Scalar shifts for moires and organization of figures can gain energy from multiple attractors. Push it further. You need an agenda or program for the investigation to help you navigate through the process. Camouflage is a possible one. Camouflaging program, blurring figures, camouflaging program, the building, scale. How do you use this strategy as a designer? Spatial camouflage. Look into stealth technology as a performance based idea. (Fractals are used in stealth technology which plays with scales and how something can look the same at each level of magnification or observation.) Stealth technology works with perception and the bending of light and sound (or wave-based entities.)
Possible reorientation as a parameter. Assemble, mass. The models lack tectonics and structural levels with critical points and connections. Try to approach it without having to use a framework within the model. The model should provide volume that has a integrity of its own. One problem maybe from the model resulting from a 2D based plan system.
Where do you go? What is the path? Is it geometry studies and pushing these geometric based drawings to their limit? Is it finding a modern apparatus for an agenda of organization? Is it about technological systems or math as effect? Systems embedded and other performance?
Possible inspirations are sponge, lattice, lightness, aerogel (can you vary the density to formulate a 3D camo or cloud)
Frank Barklow's 3D laser cut tubes offer an vector extruded to project light. The length of the extrusion varies. Similar to a Baroque language.
You have shown that you are willing to try a variety and different techniques to try to produce and expand into the 3D aspect of this project. The 3D needs to be based more in the built world and material practice. Find the generative ideas and the agenda for the thesis. Is it moire? Camouflage? Right now it still remains flat. It needs to work with variety of scales and distance, depth and revealing. Devise a strategy with material for the conditions. The diagrams can become more of a cross-section that can be built off of. Each diagram can be a section that is built off of where the moire melts away and then reassembles through the 3D space. It needs to get outside of the planar approach. Adding dimensionality through extrusion. Look at something else that does what you want. You need an agenda or situation to be existing within the moire. Find the spatial structure. Overlapping. Get rid of the framework and having something else holding the model up. Projecting moire patterns on a body? Does it give a new reading of the form? Internal construction and surface making. Get away from projection. Find a visual language of performance.
People/ideas/elements to look at:
Hugh Ferris
Fractals
Wallace Harrison (patterning)
Aluminum facade panel for cloaking effect
Sponge
Lattice
Frank Barklow - work with 3D laser cutting
MVDRV
Response:
I am still facing the same problem I have been all semester. Translating the initial diagram into the 3D. My project did get reduces to the moire patterning (visual effects rather than spatial qualities) which was not was I had originally intended. I originally intended for my thesis to be a study of the blurring, overlapping of more performance-based elements or program within a building. I realize now that my original thesis statement did lend itself to a more visual perception based study through my original selection of dualities (solid~void, presence~absence, 2D~3D, figure~ground, etc.) I still feel as though I have the opportunity to develop my thesis into a more performance or program based manipulation.
Currently I am processing through my old abstracts, notes, and drafts to start to pull out what was originally important to me within my thesis idea in order to develop a clearer understanding of what personally drives me in my idea. This will help me to have a better sense of what can be generated design-wise in the idea.
Ultimately, I did not want a thesis to be a facade condition which is what it is right now. I did not want to to be a graphical study. My goal is to now take it into the spatial realm, separate from the graphical moire studies, in order to understand the performance and spatial implications.
Dualities, cont.
These dualities have been contributed by Jenna Lettenberger:
Apart vs Together
Architectural Oppositions:
Horizontal vs Vertical
Heavy vs Light
Space vs Matter
Powerful vs Delicate/Weak
Inside vs Outside
Form vs Function
Harmony vs Discord
Peaceful vs Turbulent
Ordered vs Messy
Simple vs Complex
Global vs Local
Active vs Passive
Thick vs Thin
Broad vs Narrow
Under vs Over/Above
Loud vs Quiet
Light vs Dark
Diurnal vs Nocturnal
Low vs High
Shallow vs Deep
Short vs Tall
Moderate vs Extreme
Minimum vs Maximum
Open vs Confined
Boundless vs Restricted
Continuous vs Interrupted
Far vs Near
Slow vs Fast
Smooth vs Rough/Textured
Polished vs Murky
Additive vs Subtractive
Public vs Private
All vs None
Everything vs Nothing
Many vs Few
Whole vs Part
General vs Specific
Full vs Empty
Occupied vs Vacant
Annoy vs Satisfy
Background vs Foreground
Colorful vs Dull/Plain
Blunt vs Sharp
Changeable vs Constant
Variable vs Stable
Connected vs Separate
Divide vs Unify
Detached vs Adjacent
Entering vs Exiting
Exposed vs Concealed/Covered
Flat vs Undulating
Frequently vs Occasionally
Hard vs Soft
Ignored vs Noticed
Exclude vs Include
Liquid vs Solid
Presence vs Absence
Aware vs Ignorant
Pull vs Push
Raise vs Lower
Reduce vs Increase
Strong vs Weak
Tight vs Loose
Land vs Sky
Transparent vs Opaque
Modular vs Irregular
Luminous vs Dim
Mundane vs Monumental
Typical vs Unique
Common vs Dramatic
Simple vs Complex
Symbolic vs Pragmatic
Artificial vs Natural
Fake vs Authentic
Virtual vs Physical
Reflection vs Real
Amplify vs Degrade
Perforated vs Solid
Inherent vs Applied
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Iterative Diagrams - works in progress
Rotating Circles on Double Curved Surface by attractor point
Shifting Squares on flat surface by attractor point
Attracted circles on surface
Attracted circles on surface grid
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