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One of the ideas from the reading was the thought that all the important aspects of architecture are unified by what Allen calls “field conditions”. An important note is that these aspects are not the apparent geometries or the overarching themes, but rather the “intricate local connections” ( Allen 92). These details are further organized into geometric forms that then create tangible, real architecture that goes beyond a simple idea. Field conditions are important to understanding how a piece of architecture comes together to form meaningful connections for people.

Another idea from the reading is that architecture needs to account for the possibility of algebraic growth. To design with the idea of possible additions or changing purpose of the building, the architect prolongs the lifespan of the architecture they create. Allen brings up the example of the Cordoba mosque to illustrate this point and highlights the important note that the additions to the building over the years have not subtracted from its significance. Rather, the original design of the building wasn’t overly-restricting and the mosque has been allowed to grow and change with time- living architecture.

Allen also makes the comparison between modernism and postmodernism to explain how the mainstream architectural styles have evolved over time. An interesting way he does this is by comparing Barry Le Va’s method of creating through a “sequence of events”, and the flock behavior that he previously mentions. Allen explains that both artists and architects have a lack of control in some ways and must follow the rules and direction of the material.

In addition, Allen discusses in significant detail the minimalist movement. Suddenly, architectural form without distracting elements came to become the main focus in the public eye. According to Allen, minimalism is “unitary forms, direct use of industrial materials, and simple combinations: a ‘pre-executive clarity’ of intellectual and material terms” (Allen 95). Under this new movement that still holds significance today, color, texture, and form are kept distinct and allowed to be appreciated separately. Although new movements seem to come and go quickly, minimalism has stuck around and remains an important influence in the new architecture of today.

Lastly, Allen brings back the idea of flock behavior and how simple behavior rules, such as maintaining a certain speed and direction, produce similar patterns among different size flocks. Crowds, however, operate in a much more individualized manner and it can be more difficult to predict patterns. Allen gives some examples of crowd variations to illustrate the unpredictability, such as fast versus slow, open versus closed, and rhythmic versus stagnating (Allen 100). This relates to architecture because it’s the task of the architect to anticipate and supply the spatial needs of people. Utilizing field conditions and researching the matter further could potentially provide a useful tool for the design of future spaces.

Grace McCracken