K_Muller

0.1 From Object to Field

In “Field Conditions,” Allen describes how the concept of field conditions can provide a better understanding of the whole. He introduces “field” as an opposition to the view of a whole as an assembly of singular objects, defining “Fields conditions” as “Any formal or spatial matrix capable of unifying diverse elements while respecting the identity of each.” This is more useful than identifying individual objects because it respects the local relationships that create the whole without defining strict rules.

Diagrams Row 1: “Unified Diverse Elements” (Stan Allen)

0.2 Geometric vs Algebraic

Allen begins to explore the concept of field conditions by defining the difference between Geometric and Algebraic combinations. He identifies classical designs as geometric because the emphasis on ratios and proportions represents defined relationships between parts. ALgebraic combinations, on the other hand, represent incremental growth, like the Great Mosque of Cordoba, which is unified by local relationships but does not have an overarching geometry. Field Conditions, which are more algebraic, are beneficial because they anticipate change over time and reflect it.

Diagrams Row 2: “Incremental Growth” (Peter Eisenman)

0.3 Walking Out of Cubism

Minimalism in Postwar America reflected artists’ rejection of the European emphasis on relationships but maintained a certain amount of formal language. Postmodernism removed this formality, embracing hesitation and restraint. Allen defines Barry Le Va, a postmodernist, as the best example of field conditions in artwork. Le Va’s work took the form of “distributions” which were defined by local relationships of the parts or a “sequence of events.” Le Va’s artwork demonstrates how field conditions create a more organic distribution of elements by emphasizing local connections.

Diagrams Row 3: “Distributions” (Toyo Ito)

0.4 Thick 2D: Moires, Mats

Allen also describes how fields provide a new understanding of Figure and ground. Instead of viewing figure as an object, Allen suggests that it be viewed as an effect or disruption of the field. These effects are defined as “Moires.” At the Urban scale, these “Moires” are understood horizontally, where thickness may be associated with moments of intensity. The concept of Moires is more useful than figure-ground because it identifies the figure as an organic part of the field.

Diagrams Row 4: “Moires/ Figure as an Effect” (Iannis Xenakis)

0.5 Flocks, Schools, Swarms, Crowds

The concept of fields is further explored in the context of flocks. Flocks rely on local relationships, which allows the whole to be unaffected by small disruptions. Field conditions similarly use local relationships. However, crowds behave somewhat differently. Crowds, which inhabit architectural spaces, are defined by a direction but still act organically. Allen suggests that architectural design that embraces Field Conditions control crowds better by reflecting the complex geometry of the moving group. Flocks and crowds are important concepts in understanding the quality and utility of field conditions.

Diagrams Row 5: “Locally Defined Relationships” (Agnes Denes)