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    Object to Field

What intrigued me about the concept of field conditons is that they are formed from bottom-up systems. While the shape and overall geometries can be planned, how the space is used is what becomes important. Field conditions can be more intriguing than objects themselves because it looks at the interconnectivity between the diverse elements in the space. What comes the the forefront are things such as funtions, vectors, speeds, intervals, and repetions between these objects.

Geometric vs Algebraic

A geometric system forms a unified expression both in individual elements and as a larger whole. Additionally, geometric systems maintain the principles of hierachial order. Alternatively, an algerbraic combination may use similar repeating shapes but without the overarching unifying geometry. Where geometric systems are concerned with designing the parts to a whole, algebraic systems create parts that are individual and rather accumilate or repeat.

Minimalism vs Postminimalism

Minimalism works within a limited palette of shapes and materials to clarify and simplify what is being communicated. Where minimalism uses a reduced pallete and language, postminimal artists take a more informal and diverse approach. Postminimal artists introduce chance into their works offering an engagement with the unknown and this movement is marked by artists letting go of  control.

Flock vs Crowd

What is interesting about a flock is that there is no overarching order, but instead each individual follows the same rules with creates emerging patterns. Even obstacles for the flock can be easily accomodated because the individuals will continue to follow the same rules as always. In this way a flock is predictable, where as a crowd can be somewhat less predictable. A crowd will move in similar ways but with added randomness of individuals.

Distributed Institutions

The rules and hierarchy that govern architecture can be seen as a direct link to classic Western institutions and their status of power. While utopian programs aim to change this with a top-down design approach, a  more radical shift may be necessary. These institutions are already changing from within and we may be better off designing spaces that are left for the user to decide the function. Utopian programs may end up designing a new condition of the institution and as Allen writes, ” Nonhierarchical compositions cannot garuntee an open society or equality in politics.” Instead, a study of function, connectivity, and field conditions may prove to be a more sustainable approach.