LAGOMARSINO_WILLIAM_222_EX1.1A

By: William Lagomarsino

THE LOGIC OF ACCUMULATION:

There are many historic examples of buildings that undergo change by a process of addition or accumulation. It is important to make additions in a way that does not disrupt spatial order. Each new layer can be observed – showing a timeline of expansion and telling a story of growth. From these changes, the viewer is able to infer the possible reasons for expansion and how the establishment was able to afford these changes. 

FORMAL CONTROL OF MATERIALS:

“The artist must establish the conditions in which the materials are deployed, and then directs its flows.” (Allen 97) Although referencing other art forms, this principle also closely relates to the actions we make as architects. An architect may decide to place a wall in a specific location, but without understanding the ephemeral qualities of the material, some decisions will be less fitting than others. Working in this manner also forces artists to sometimes prioritize negative space over the positive space. In other words, the material does not find its shape until the artist puts constraints around it. 

THE RELATION BETWEEN FIGURE AND GROUND:

It is sometimes difficult to understand the relationship between and figure within a field. In most cases, the object defines itself in the field providing some sort of interaction. From here we can gather the difference this object is making in the field and how it may be creating local symmetries. Zooming further out, we can begin to establish this object’s impact as a whole in its environment as it forms other symmetries. 

THE FLOCK AS A FIELD PHENOMENA:

Flocks may likely be formed using an established set of rules. When these rules are applied to a large group of free-moving objects within the field, A flock and a pattern are not the same. Although acted upon by the same rules, a flock still manages to form in a collected but somewhat irregular body. Adjustments to obstacles in a complex environment can still be made without sacrificing the completeness or integrity of the flock. Because of a flock’s ability to adjust to environmental conditions but still remain a unit, it can be considered a phenomena. 

THE COMPLEXITY OF A CROWD:

The mechanics of a crowd are fundamentally different than those of a flock. Unlike flocks, crowds are more unpredictable – often acting without any set rules in place. The structure of a crowd relies on a large group of objects each acting individually and unpredictably. One of the best examples is a busy train station. Although appearing as a large group of similarly acting people, each individual person has a different goal to achieve or a rule to follow. As one person crosses the main platform to catch a train, another may walk the opposite direction towards the booth to buy tickets. Both of these people are existing as a part of a larger crowd within the same field.