Colby, Honour_Ex.1.1A

Honour Colby

ARCH 222

04/02/20

Exercise 1a

From Object to Field

Many individuals in a field create a collective; each object in combination with others leads to dynamic behavior. When they are linked, local relationships are created between parts. A larger interconnectivity is developed as local bonds are built and it may become an open-ended network of parts that defines the field condition. This is why the internal relationships are more important than the overall form. The behavior of the individuals contributes to the behavior of the “figure” as a whole on the field.

Geometric vs. Algebraic Combination

Classical architecture uses both geometry and algebra to dictate the proportions and relationships of parts of buildings. Using a series of figures or forms and numerical units regulating proportion, larger wholes were formed as a combination of the two. Allen writes about the ideal of organic geometric unity that was intended, then executed with algebraic restraints. He also states that “field conditions are inherently expandable…”(Allen 94) incrementally. Buildings have always been added to and reshaped in that way, whether geometrically or algebraically or both. In applying this idea to figure/ground models, it is easy to see how the additions can respond to the original shape and dimension of the original without turning it into something new. They can also show hierarchy and the implication of the flow of movement.

Walking out of Cubism

Minimalism beginning in the mid 60’s allowed a new model for working which was more fluid and sequenced. It had a focus on what a field contained (the objects or people within) and let that implicate the spatial field. The sequence or series of events is what generates form, the way that local connections define the field conditions. Unitary forms and simple combinations as aspirations of minimalism allowed more freedom and dynamity. Post-minimalism had this same freedom, but local constraints had more direction over movement of people and their relation to each other.

Thick 2D: Moirés, Mats

Allen writes that the potential of a field is to show a more complex relationship between figures and ground. If they are shown as less abstract from each other, it can better show the importance of local relationships and connections. A moiré effect can show an irregular pattern emerge from combining two regular elements, showing moments/areas of intensity. This can be useful for visually describing urban networks and the development of cities, as they are large, complex volumes that are often studied.

Flocks, Schools, Swarms, Crowds

Local actions and connections are what guide the field phenomenon of flocks rather than an overarching command. This allows variables and obstructions to be easily overcome, because the flock is not dependent on a single thing, rather each individual reacts and then can resume with ease. Their local commands can operate separately from the whole even though they are still a part of it. Localized rules can better cater to the needs of each local area, which is an idea that can apply in designing architecture as well.