Field Conditions

From Object to Field

The idea behind creating a field is unifying differing elements that ultimately exemplify an architectural relationship. It focuses on the sole identity of each component, which defines the “behavior of the field”. The author emphasizes how field configurations are “characterized by porosity and local interconnectivity” thus creating relationships between specific elements. From my understanding, developing fields depend on the relationship between forms rather than the form as a sole individual.

Geometric vs. Algebraic Combination

I absolutely loved this idea of the article since the overall language and syntax of architecture has always been what’s interested me the most. I interpreted this section as architecture having geometric unity where the parts make up the whole composition in classical forms. These individual elements are expressed through both geometric and algebraic relationships that ultimately dictate their significance to the overall structure. Also, that there are certain principles or stipulations that factor into this geometric organization. However, the author expressed that this could be argued since there are so many examples of Western architecture that have been continuously built on or transformed over history ie. St. Peter’s Basilica.

Walking Out of Cubism

Artists began to distance themselves from the complex and fragmented expression of cubism, which initially sparked the fascination of minimalism in the mid 60’s. This new movement focused on the art’s “architectural condition” or its raw nature rather than the typical decorative language. The aspiration of minimalists was to create unitary forms compared to creating relations between elements. Although, the “radical” contents and ideas that minimalism subdued all returned in the post minimalism movement where “making a field” became prominent for artists again.

Thick 2D: Moires, Mats

“All grids are fields, but not all fields are grids”. The purpose behind a grid is to further comprehend placement and the geometric figures. However, a field consists of structure and shape while focusing on relationships between differing elements. Another important idea is how there is a key differentiation between figure and abstraction, which connects to the shift in art movements throughout the 20th century (as said in the last idea).

Flocks, Schools, Swarms, Crowds

Flocks are formed in a more systematic manner and are continuously adjusting to the adversity of obstacles in the environment. Flocks are pattern based and thrive only if there are defined “behavioral patterns”, such as instincts of birds. However, a crowd is much less predictable since individual elements are motivated by specific factors. Crowds have four key attributes: always attempting to grow, equality, density, and needing a direction. Defining the differences between these proxemics allows us, as architects, to formulate ideas through diagramming based on certain spatial distancing.