Roche_Andrew_222 1.1a

Geometric v.s. Algebraic Combination

Classical architecture can be broken into both individual elements and coherent wholes, as they relate to geometric and algebraic relationships. These individual elements “form ensembles which in turn form larger wholes” (93) which utilize multiple practices of axial, symmetrical, and formal sequences as a means of organization and harmonization. Countering this approach to classical architecture, the Great Mosque of Cordoba contains multiple identical pieces, the parts do not combine but remain fragments, and it digresses from the classical ideal of unity where is has the “possibility of incremental growth” (94).

Walking Out of Cubism

Composing works of “fragmented” art through abstract expression of material defines the pre war European period known as Cubism. An era defined uniquely by the artistic arrangement of different facets together surfaced progressive minimalist reasoning. Minimalism restrains the use of cubist composition of constructing piece by piece as it utilizes other methods of “consolidation” (95). An abruptly simple as well as cohesive approach contrasts and overwhelms the abstract yet particular placement of individual elements. Following the minimalist period, an era of post minimalism returning to a more materialized ideology, yet hesitant, emerged.

Thick 2D: Moires, Mats

Generally, most cities utilize figure and ground as a definitive aspect of their specific space. To redefine the field which the grid that figure and ground create, it is essential “to imagine figure and field as more closely allied” (97). Straying away from postmodern ideas of three dimensional fields, ideas to create thick two dimensional fields surface. To work alongside this progressve ideas, representation of thick two dimensional fields can be shown through a moiré as it utilizes “irregular behaviors” to create a seemingly “emergent figure” (98) as it extends the field the city rests upon, creating elongating effects rather than lateral effects.

Flocks, Schools, Swarms, Crowds

Relating to the grouping of birds, a flock is defined by each individual bird’s fundamental approach to unity. Seemingly, birds follow a program to come together on a schedule, while this logic is untrue, the tunnel vision guideline each bird has causes the flock to come together. The flock builds up in harmony as the “result of localized behavior patterns” (99). Applying this harmonious idea to architecture, instead of utilizing its familiar top down approach, it would be advantageous to utilize a more fluid and local technique which allows for more perspectives.

Distributed Institutions

Within our progressive society, once advantageous items or spaces become irrelevant over time, as an example can be seen within classical and traditional architecture. These specific single use architectural building designs, which utilize “precise rules of axiality, symmetry, and formal hierarchy” (101), become monotonous as advances with culture and technology escalate. Though there is so much architecture can provide to reassure these historical relics, redefining their purpose can be advantageous. Initializing procedures to expand the uses of these sites by labeling them as precisely general spaces, while still maintaining their core activity, creates opportunities for both certain as well as uncertain use.