Mario Carpo: on Hensel, Menges, Weinstock

Throughout this excerpt, Carpo stresses the significance of morphogenesis in the creation of computational design; as explored in Menges' introduction to Computational Design Thinking, 'computational design exists for the purpose of solving the irregularities in nature'. Thanks to the aid of 3D modelling software and an exploration into parametricism, we can now approximate and emulate the irregular behaviours of nature through system theory. Through the analysis of the structural forms of materials such as 'soap bubbles, catenary ropes... textiles, perforated membranes' and other 'inelastic, anisotopic or non-homogenous materials',  the process of design and construction has been revolutionised. Sustainability and Menges' concept of 'performativeness' has become much more prominent and considered; or the self/re-organisation of materials in order to adapt to exposure to various kinds of stress. In this manner, the de-formation of these structures becomes the most notable feature of a systematic approach to design.

Achim Menges: Computational Design Thinking - Introduction

- Menges describes computation as the various interactions between information and components which encompass particular environments; in contrast to computerisation, which offers an objective solution made simpler with the use of software, the term computation expands to a mentality and way of approaching a problem.

- He also moves onto analysing the holistics 'Systems Thinking', as well as explains Bertalanffy's understandable perception of nature and biology as existing outside the bounds of this; due to its random yet intricate nature, Bertalanffy declared it impossible to fully understand/predict (to replicate it even more so). Menges explains the impact of 'systems thinking' had on architecture, noting the change in perception of architecture from static points to the dynamics within 'its context in matter, physicality, and personal engagement', as well as computation's approach to emulating the sporadic personality of nature.

- This is the evolution of morphogenetics, our efforts to define the 'particular behaviour of forms and forces' as mathematical equations; he also notes Thompson's view of our emulation of transformation as 'generative', proven by present day usage of computational design. Menges also stresses the 'inseperable' relationship between our approaches to our results.

- Menges states that computational design exists for the purpose of solving the irregularities which occur in nature, enabled by mathematics and computer software. Furthermore, as a designer operating within the possibilities of computation, we become 'the author of the rules as implicit descriptions for the development of form'.

Picon: DCiA - People, Computers and Architecture

- Picon states that it is through historians from which we can decide on a 'middle-ground', as they are able to analyse the positive/negative effects of technology in its short life-span of less than a century.
- He also highlights the relevance of information and the method through which it spreads, noting that it is through means of newer technology such as the telephone and radio which has allowed for our efficient 'society of technology' to exist.
- Picon also explores the notion of the imperfection of the human, mentioning how physicians are unable to complete a set of data due to the complexity of the human psyche, as well as the discomfort which comes from a forced 'transparency' during tests. This leads onto the topic of androids; the perfect humanoid automaton but mysterious in nature and motive.
- Details the history behind the urgent need to accumulate data quickly due to the Second World War'
- On the note of patterns, Picon writes 'By identifying and mobillizing them properly, architecture could make the build environment more efficient, thus contributing to the control-oriented society advocated by the military + giant corporations''
- Over time the desire to build more sustainable architecture with purposes of transporting goods increased, and conservative building became more popular.

Antoine Picon: DCiA - Introduction

-       - Picon, unlike Le Corbusier and Morel, is able to write with confidence in technology’s settlement and place in architecture, stating that its positive impact is undeniable/

-      - Reflects Le Corbusier’s expression that ‘earlier work (the age of information, in this case) … quietly prepared the way’ and stresses the need for an ‘extended historical perspective’.

-       - Explores not just the customisation of models, but focuses on the direction of future architecture ‘in this context of incertitude'.

-       - Software as replacing the need for hardware to represent infrastructure, and has become an integral part of not only the architectural experience, but the public social domain as well.

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1. Picon’s three branches of topic:

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The close relationship between technology and ‘our experience of the physical world’, detailing our reliance on the evolving technology of the present and future.

-       2. The individual; architecture, traditionally adapting to suit various people of different socio-economic backgrounds, must now adapt to ‘key characteristics of the contemporary individual’.

-      4.  Context; Picon suggests that modern architects must learn and adapt to the present day environment, rather than relying on ‘traditional geometric tools and metrics’, in order to gather a greater understanding of a subject.

Mario Carpo: The Digital Turn in Architecture

- The gradual understanding the significance of ‘virtual reality and cyberspace’ as a replacement of ‘phenomena, existence and building’

- Most importantly, digital design has been presented by Carpo as a representation of postmodernism, in both architecture and ways of thinking.

- Stresses how newer technology allows designers to experiment and '(manipulate) curved lines directly on screen', easing the path for the customization of architecture immensely. Furthermore, Carpo reveals the interactivity digital design has provided to architecture, through the ability to adjust virtual environmental factors to simulate lighting, weather etc.

- Carpo reiterates Le Corbusier’s observation of our human disinterest in an older style of architecture ‘which has now been repeating itself’, and its reflective effect onto our way of thinking.

- Digital design has allowed for the mass production of 'variations and (the customization of) non-standards; Carpo explores Carhles Jenck's concept of 'nonlinearity', or the irregular patterns in nature/objects. This highlights the potential of software in architecture as our only means of replicating these patterns, as well as a more fluid/freeform or 'anti-industrial' architecture.

- Similar to Philippe Morel, Carpo interestingly addresses the subject of 'robots' and artificial intelligence as eventually being able to emulate 

Le Corbusier: Architecture or Revolution

Architecture or Revolution details the impact of advancements in technology and their significant effects on the 'social mechanism' and the traditional family dynamic. Le Corbusier also explores the relationship between the 'industry, enterprise, construction', and explains how improvements in these areas dictates a change in architecture.

It is important to note AoR's addressing of the human response to the technology/architecture coexistance, noting the decay of the filial structure, the inevitable disinterest of 'the old codification of architecture' and our humanistic desire to create using newer methods as a result.

Whilst Le Corbusier professes the significant impact of technology in a seemingly positive manner (unavoidable due to human nature), however, his analysis of its effect as 'the destruction of the family' and comment that 'Revolution can be avoided' seemed to confuse our class