Complex phenomena 2010 spring upenn
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spring 2010 | penndesign | cecil balmond + roland snooks | roland@kokkugia.com
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syllabus
This studio will investigate non-linear systems and self-organization at both a methodological and programmatic level. This exploration will take the form of design research into algorithmic methodologies and will be tested through the brief for a school of architecture.
Since the 1960’s the world in which we live is increasingly being understood as an emergent outcome of complex systems. Research into complexity cuts across traditional boundaries as the self-organizing systems which underlie one phenomena can be found to operate at various scales within a diverse set of circumstances.
Consequently this studio will explore the nature and operation of complex systems as well as their application to design. This will involve extracting the processes that operate within the physical world as well as developing new models of self-organization. The development of non-linear design methodologies involves a shift in the design process from invention to that of orchestrating systems in the generation of an emergent architecture.
Students will explore non-linear algorithmic design methodologies in developing complex systems. The studio will focus on how these non-linear systems interact and operate within geometry in response to a set of architectural criteria. The research will explore how specific architectural intent can be programmed at a micro level enabling local interactions to self-organize into coherent structures and forms.
Algorithmic design does not operate through a specific technique or medium - digital or analogue - however scripted techniques will be encouraged as they enable a rapid investigation and testing of algorithmic methodologies. Research will be focused by, but not restricted to, successful models brought forth from the fall semester seminar on Form and Algorithm. Algorithmic workshops will be conducted in the first half of the semester to help in rapidly developing scripted techniques.
Students will have the opportunity to work directly with the Advanced Geometry Unit, Arup, London during an intensive workshop at the Carlow House, Arup, London UK.
The programmatic brief will be for a school of architecture and design. Programmatically the intention is to apply systems of self-organisation in generating a programmatic and spatial organization that encourages creative and social interaction and exchange. A particular emphasis will be placed on the emergence of cross-disciplinary research and investigation. Further detail regarding the site and precise programmatic breakdown will be provided during the semester.
