Image: LaN_Luis | Flickr

The notion of manufacturing algorithmic pieces like panels, structural systems and other elements and components that go into making a building, pose some interesting questions and ideas for you, as an architect, to consider.

In fact, trying to turn algorithmic architecture into a reality is quite a challenge today. It requires the manufacturing of materials that can move about, shift location and morph — all aspects that make digital manufacturing a little ways off.

I read an article recently that describes how people often think that algorithmic architecture does not relate to the context of a place. That by simply pushing a button, the designer does not really…well, design. So when an algorithmic building is built within a real-world site, how does it acquire the context? How does it relate to unique surroundings when, it seems to some, merely “pushing a button” will make a design that only comes up with new variations upon itself — without truly addressing what surrounds it. (see article here.)

So How Does Algorithmic Architecture Context and Digital Manufacturing Tie Together?

Just because an algorithmic architecture uses computation to greatly speed up, and to hopefully enhance its design output, does not mean that it has less context. Yes, it may look different from those buildings which surround it. But how different? In which ways? And is it better or worse?

I think that the notion of “boundary” will take new precedence as algorithmic architecture becomes more of a reality. And I think that the way in which materials are digitally manufactured and assembled will play a large role in the way algorithmic architecture is received.

Often, the language of boundary between a building and its context manifests through its materials and their construction. It will be up to the architect to make sure all of these variables are in balance; for, what they put in, will grow into a result. And the way this result is constructed will rest in the hands of the architect, the materials they designate, the construction of those materials and their overall sensitivity to the building’s surroundings throughout.

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Image: jared | Flickr

In the image above, you can see how beautiful and revealing the implementation of algorithmic processes can be. To help you better understand what is going on in the above image, here is the author’s explanation about the mysterious and beautiful form patterns. It is curiously and simply called “Happy Place:

“256 nodes with friendships to other nodes tied together using the following rules: get as close to friends as possible, and get away from everyone else. Drawing lines between friends the above image is generated (unique with each execution).” (see source here)

When you combine the power of understanding occupant and human relations and behavioral patterns with the dynamics and fluidity that computational design can bring, you have quite a unique coupling that can unleash not only an adaptive architecture but also a highly customized and optimized one — algorithmic architecture.

Algorithmic architecture is about more than creating a three-dimensional “map” or “visualization” of real-time activity. It brings with it a sense-making ability that ties computer language and algorithms together. Suddenly, buildings are at once gaining incredible Read more

Image: fdecomite | Flickr

In a world where buildings today are primarily static, not very responsive and not very well optimized, it will be intriguing to see what algorithm design for architecture can do — particularly when coupled with other fields like nanotechnology, biomimicry and neuroscience.

As an occupant, I know I would want to have a building that can adapt to meet my needs as I need them. And while it does this, I would want it to look as beautiful as ever. As a building owner, I would want a building that could adapt to not only my business needs, but also be able to adapt to the changes that arise during my building’s lifespan.

Instead of reinventing the wheel by designing built forms that make their occupants adapt to them, it is my hope that algorithmic architecture combined nanotechnology, biomimicry and neuroscience can yield buildings that adapt to their occupants.

This new wave of building design can really make buildings more fluid, flexible and adaptively optimized to not only meet today’s rapidly evolving needs, but to also yield built space that is ultimately healthier, happier, less stressful and more resilient.

An algorithmic architecture will be a big part of the architecture field’s ability to open Read more