Exercise 1A-Pashmin Patil

The first concept that Stan Allen emphasizes in ‘Field Conditions’ is the transition from object to field. Allen points out the importance of paying close attention to past visual works as well as reflects on the complexity and dynamic behaviors of architects. There are so many parts that play an integral role in the development of structures in order to create a cohesive design

The second concept that Stan Allen emphasizes in ‘Field Conditions’ is the contrast between Geometric versus Algebraic combination. A geometric combination is when there is an evolution in the architectural design throughout the structure while the algebraic combination continues the same type of architectural style throughout the building. He discusses how different elements can be organized and put together in order to create a more cohesive system. When I initially read this, I thought of a school of fish, each fish is unique and different however when they come together, they all work in perfect unison with each other. Another topic Allen brings up is the concept of how smaller things can come together to create bigger things.

The third concept that Stan Allen discusses in ‘Field Conditions’ is cubism and how minimalism has emerged from cubism. Allen states how minimalism is a “composition by parts” that also emphasizes the architecture rather than the clutter in the space. Minimalism is targeting the local relationships as well as underlying structures and ideas rather than the overall form.

The fourth concept that Stan Allen discusses in ‘Field Conditions’ is Thick 2D: Moirés, mats. Moirés is an effect produced by two regular fields and it is also used to measure stressors in those fields. Allen further explains this topic by discussing how in earlier times, architects designed in the horizontal extension aspect however after skyscrapers were introduced, vertical extensions became the preference. The fifth and final concept that Stan Allen discusses in ‘Field Conditions’ is Flocks, Schools, Swarms, and Crowds. All these are very important aspects when creating a space specifically crowds and flocks. Flocks form from the bottom up and usually create uniform patterns but crowds on the other hand, they always want to grow and constantly need direction or else it will get chaotic. Crowds also tend to be incredibly bipolar and operate on the edge of control.