Week 7

In architecture, materials are one of key aspects based upon aesthetics, programming and performance, however it can be argued that computers have taken those aspects away as observed by Antoine Picon’s journal about how technology has impact the traditional practice of architecture. It is true that digitalization allows the architect to manipulate extremely complex forms and freely envision design modifications but what is more beneficial for the future is the question. Picon highlights this fact by comparing computer and hand design in the contrast between a walk and a car ride, in the sense that it is there to be used by the human being whether he has the technique to do it or not.  Computation design compared to the traditional practice is on a really broad level where some elements cannot be done by hand such as reflectivity and transparency or the instant manipulation of texture and lighting.

Digital architecture allows users the freedom of envisioning their personal designs come to life on the screen, however many architects don’t figure out its materiality until it’s too late. The traditional materials used in architecture could be classified as concrete, wood or steel as the most common ones but materials play a big part in the final design in many fields of architecture such as environmentally friendly or for it to be adaptive. Michael Weinstock researches on emergent technologies and new materials that can be incorporated in structures and buildings. The Watercube for example contains a total of four thousand “bubbles” in which variations are shown in the roof and walls. These “bubbles” were derived from soap bubble arrays, despite it being random the structure was highly rational and economically affordable. Computation design allowed the Watercube to be realized due to scripting and 3D modeling the structural integrity through 22000 steel members and 1200 nodes.  

Water Cube (2008) - PTW Architects and ARUP