WK 4 Readings

Mario Caprio’s, “The Digital Turn in Architecture” explorers different fields relating to architectural design and theory. “Morphogenesis and Emergence” by Hensel, Menges & Weinstock explores and elaborates upon our evolving technology and how it has allowed morphogenesis to ‘evolve’. The development of technology now allows us to calculate structural behaviours and other various elements of a building which was previously impossible and could only be approximated with physical models. “All materials deform under stress, and such deformations can and often must be carefully calculated…” The properties of new materials are able to be tested in these structures, some aiming to be self-organising systems others with unique structural integrity by using techniques such as honeycombs. With digital modelling can now “theoretically emulate the skills, adaptivity and alert manipulation of expert artisan makers.”

Menges’ “Polymorphism” discusses the relation of natural morphogenesis to architecture. “Extending the concept of material system by embedding its material characteristics, geometric behaviour, manufacturing constraints and assembly logics allow for deriving and elaborating a design through the system’s intrinsic performative capacities.” This I found to be an interesting statement, as Menges tells us how the new era of technology is helping us change our perspective of design, allowing for more interesting and complex geometries that may not have been previously possible. Polymorphism is closely related to morphogenesis, sharing design techniques and technology such as honeycomb structures, allowing for extreme curves whilst maintaining strong structural integrity. “A design approach utilising such methods enables architects to define specific material systems through the combined logics of formation and materialisation.”