Kyle White – Exercise 1.1a

Diagram Language: Stan Allen, “Field Conditions” 

1. The concept of a “field objects” is series of repetitive points or pieces, which are acted upon by dynamic parameters or vectors.  The objectivity of these points are not as critical as the overall whole form or result. So, dependent of the design, these points can be independently displayed or as informative background influences to a larger whole.
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2. In a simple field condition, the field is a 2d surface in which the point or “field objects” lie. This field can be associated to many different objects, such as a city map, or simply an unbounded blank space.  These fields can also be in 3D space as seen in the flocking of birds.  In the flock example, the “field” is constantly moving.  In the example below, the field becomes a visual connection between the collection of data, and the final graphics.
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3. Historically, geometric proportions within architectural design have been defined through the study of traditional architectural styles.  These geometries are prescribed through historic examples and fixed mathematical principals. American architectural styles such as neoclassicism, federalism, and Chicago style, use scales, proportions, and geometry based rationalism to influence and dictate the architecture.
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4. Over the past decades, art movements and designers were switching between extremes of design influence.  Minimalism focused on simple objectivity and created static relationships between viewers and art.  While movements after utilized loud and aggressive design to portray human emotional and political thought.  Field objects and parametric design has the potential to moderate these design theories between simpler architectural design and the complexities of human psychology.
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5. The rise of parametric and field object design provides architects with the opportunity to make more informed decisions with large and fluid data sets.   Architecture has been a traditionally static design process, as a building is traditionally static.  However, with parametric design, architects can utilize large amounts data to inform their design, rather than relying on traditional program needs and historical opinion.  This data can portray climate needs, programmatic needs, movement trends, etc.
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