Disciplinary convergence Architectural practice ... convergence.pdf · ANALOGIES Lyon Confluence,...
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Transcript of Disciplinary convergence Architectural practice ... convergence.pdf · ANALOGIES Lyon Confluence,...
Mary Ben Bonham
Department of Architecture and Interior Design
Miami University, Ohio USA
Building Technology Educators Society Conference 2011
Convergence and Confluence
Disciplinary convergence Architectural practice & education
in transition
Architecture flows and is formed in response to real-world forces.
Grassroots converges with global.
ABOUT CHANGE
Charles Jencks’ Evolutionary Tree 2000
1970 1980 1990 2000
Professionals are forming new paths of architectural production:
Example: BIM tools support IPD process
ABOUT CHANGE
Integrated Project Delivery model
(wikimedia commons)
ArchitectusingBIMtoolstoanalyzeenergy[IESVE.com]
ANALOGIES
Lyon Confluence, rendering (francetoday.com)
< CONFLUENCE
Cites, trading posts and other sites of converging materials and people grow at places of confluence
The analogy captures the idea of merging flows:
• disciplinary mergers (A + E, design-build…)
• hybrid tools (digital fabrication like CNC)
• innovative design (passive-active HVAC systems like desiccant wheels or under-floor air distribution)
But more dimension is needed to capture the complexity of current practice…
Convergence as Confluence
ANALOGIES
DrainagebasinofRhôneRiver[wikimediacommons]
< WATERSHED
Many sources in a broad field converge into larger and larger pathways.
The analogy captures the idea of many cumulative confluences: • Innovation may be occurring at many “source points” simultaneously • Each confluence or change-producing meeting may redirect an individual, a mode of production, or the course of a whole discipline
But the model of how disciplines interconnect should not be as entirely linear as drainage system…
Approaching confluence: Watershed
ANALOGIES
Divergence and convergence of neurons (Wikimedia commons)
< FLUID NETWORK The intent to collaborate can run counter to natural tendencies
The analogy of neural network captures the idea that design and production is iterative and circuitous: • Each divergence is an innovation (something new is taken up) • Design and production is iterative and circuitous • As we operate between nodes, the connections become stronger
But where does this lead?
Confluence denying gravity: Networks
ANALOGIES
DeltainHaiF
< DELTA
Once powerful flows are developed, these disperses again to enter the sea
The analogy of a delta captures the idea of the divergence that follows convergence: • After R&D comes implementation • After forming new hybrid partnerships, companies develop unique, divergent modes of practice
< SEA The pattern of converging yet diversifying change leads us to a wide and deep field of operations The “changed sea” is a space of sustained fluid exchanges between disciplines.
Dispersing confluence: Delta
ANALOGIES
Plenarysession–aspaceofexchangewithallstakeholderspresent
The landscape or sea of fluid interaction between disciplines
< PLENUM
PLENUM SPACE IN CONSTRUCTION
A cutaway diagram of UFAD system (wikimedia commons)
< PLENUM
In architectural space, the analog space of confluence is the plenum.
In plenum spaces, elements of architectural space converge and interact:
Structure
Materials
Building Systems
It takes a plenum of disciplinary experts to make these hybrid passive-active spaces successful.
Convergence in Construction
PLENUM SPACE IN TEACHING
Architectural Education also needs spaces of fluid interaction, with students and
practitioners other disciplines in the mix.
EMERGING TREND: The Miami Design Collaborative fosters confluence in a foundation level course, “Innovation, Creativity, and Design Thinking”, part of the Design Thinking Certificate program.
Intramural > Extramural
THEN: Classroom: Abstract concepts NOW: More field trips: Concrete experience
PLENUM SPACE IN TEACHING
Topics can cross-pollinate between lecture and studio
THEN: Books and lectures NOW: Online learning modules for studio
PLENUM SPACE IN TEACHING
By nature of the topic, BTES faculty deal with convergent disciplines…
> Building envelope design deals with structure, cladding, thermal, acoustic, not to site program and aesthetic aims
> Ceiling design deals with structure, interior finish, acoustic, environmental systems, etc… the plenum
We can lead the way in and around our departments to facilitate education in a plenum-like space of convergence.
PLENUM SPACE IN EDUCATION
Building technology educators – special agents of change