Ex._1.1A_Cole O’Bryan
The idea of field conditions introduces an abstract approach to measuring qualities and aspects of spaces. This process demonstrates that a field condition is an intangible quality of a space, and that certain elements can be used to show how individual aspects of spaces work together. Allen writes, “…a field condition could be any formal or spatial matrix capable of unifying diverse elements while respecting the identity of each”. This way of approaching architecture makes the diagram the most important part. Designs are derived from from the desired conditions themselves, not specific forms or programatic uses.
The author references the axiom, “Beauty is the consonance of parts such that nothing can be added or taken away”. This relates to geometric unity, the idea that a specific collection of geometric pieces or conditions work together to create unity. This means that there exists an exact level of geometric unity at which something becomes whole. In. The context of built environments that is not a collection of shapes or forms but a collection of proportions that form the larger whole.
Comparing two historic religious buildings, the Great Mosque of Cordoba and St. Peters demonstrates two different times of spacial change. In the case of the Great Mosque of Cordoba, the many expansions that were performed on the building over centuries all constituted an addition to the original spacial condition. In other words the traditional Mosque structure was never altered. In the Case of St. Peters, the many expansions changed the conditions of the building, resulting in a transformation of the space over time. More importantly this transformation happens along the buildings main axis creating a transformative and spacial progression.
The discussion of flock formation and its geometric properties relates to the unification of geometric proportionalities. Flocks of birds can be created by simulation when individual birds only act in response to the birds in their vicinity. This means that there is no need for an overarching order to the flock. The patterns and motion of the flock is created b y the sequence of each bird responding to their neighboring bird. This applies to architectural principles on many scales. Spatial conditions form a whole not when they are dictated by an overarching order but when each condition is created in conversation with those adjacent to it.
The graphic representation of crowd provides a different reality that that of the flock. Crowds move with more vigor and intention. Each individual of a crowd has their own individual objective that they are trying to achieve. While this individualism would seem to create chaos it also has the ability to create order. The order comes from what the objectives of the crowds are. If the objective if the same then the patterns will align. If the objectives are different, they may still be similar in their vigor or differentiation from one another. This can be broken down into points (individuals) and Lines (objectives) at any point one can establish a level of unity amongst the crowd.
