EXERCISE_1.1A_SOFIA_GONZALES

Stan Allen makes many claims to the interconnectedness of architecture to its natural form.

From Object to Field:

Allen claims that architecture, much like music, cannot be broken into multiple pieces and still have the same impact that it would if it were all perceived together. Much like pieces to a puzzle field studies help architecture understand the pieces of the puzzle they are working with when creating a building. Each relying piece helps shape the space that comes with it, most importantly on the inside before the outside. This type of connection reflects back on the field itself bringing together each piece to be unified by connecting different forms.

Each diagram shows the unity of each piece to the larger whole.

Geometric Vs. Algebraic Combination

The relationships between different sizes can be seen as geometric qualities that impact one another to create a sense of unity and cohesiveness. Allen simply puts this in a way that says “one piece cannot simply exist and be cohesive without the other counterpart”. Each separate piece relies on the other to exist fully and they seen as equal when put together. Each small part comes together to create a larger whole that can be seen by the human eye and put together much like abstraction. Each part is expandable in order to grow the larger whole without completely overpowering the other. A sense of hierarchy is put in place in attempt to preserve the unity that is put in place.

Each diagram is a geometric shape and how the mathematical relationship between them all creates unity.

Walking Out of Cubism

Fluid movements rely on the movements of the observers around them. Cubist impressions are meant to remain as critical relationships rather than the transitional movements that seen around them. Cubism relies on the strict positioning to the next piece around them rather than the ability for one part to transition into the next seamlessly. This leaves no room for there to be a pause that minimalist art so deeply utilizes, the blank space allows the eye to rest. Although, relationships that are in close proximity are important to the overall form of the whole and while not every material can be controlled, each piece can be controlled locally.

Each diagram shows movement.

Thick 2D: Moire’s, Mats

Figures can emerge from the 2D design that is formed before it rather than being bounded by the ground. Figure and abstraction are closely related by intensity and repetition. Each part can help emerge the figure from the mass by figure ground as well as scaling difference. By using these two methods there is a sense of figure that comes out of when things are in close proximity. When shapes are closely related they form larger wholes that can be seen from different perspectives.

The impact of figure ground from grids of different kinds are shown in these diagrams.

Flocks, Schools, Swarms, Crowds

Much like figure ground the proximity of each group comes from the movement of the larger mass. However, the movement that comes from this is related to the conditions that is given to each part. By doing this it allows each piece to follow the one in front of it and so on. Flocks are able to make adjustments much faster and more fluidly because they are progressed from the bottom to the top instead of following one clear leader. On the other hand, swarms and crowds are much more unpredictable because they rely on leadership from one group of individuals. They are constantly following on the edge of control which makes them much less unified.

The predictability of the first diagram to the second two show the unified concept in comparison to the ones following the leader.