Outline – Technological Emergence Mission Statement: Our Cyb

Outline – Technological Emergence Mission Statement: Our current generation

Nour Awni Farah outline Technological Emergence Mission Statement: Our current generation has allowed for access and continuous technological developments in the digital and industrial worlds that can potentially make design opportunities and inspire endless visions. In the early 20th century, the futurist architecture movement was a powerful force that has a big role in initiating the technological developments we have now. Futurist drawings and manifestos in relation to executed structures make it evident that industrial and construction limitations were present. With current digital process and technique, architects have the opportunity to push the boundaries with design. People like Michael Hensel, Achim Menges and Neri Oxman are experimenting with the potential and success this technology has to offer taking into account structure, material capabilities and sustainability.

Their practice leans toward “emerging architecture”, where all components are foreseen as one component rather than multiple parts that have to be put together. With that said, artificial intelligence systems can help emerge design solutions that might have been unpredicted. This paper will help manifest the importance and the potential of these modern technological techniques and how it is the leading way of practice for future design. Comment by Phillip Crosby: “Emergent” might be a better term here. Comment by Phillip Crosby: Needs different terminology. The individual components add up to become what? Or maybe just say that they are “foreseen as one interrelated whole.”

1) Futurist ideas – all seeking for the domination and advancement of technology Comment by Phillip Crosby: Would it be worth commenting on the disjunction between the ideas of the Futurists as expressed in the various manifestoes and the forms that Sant’Elia produced in his drawings? The manifestoes expressed a need for lightness, but the forms in his drawings are very heavy? Was he struggling with the realities of architecture as something that must stand up and be stable? · Umbortto Boccini – Art work that implies unique curvilinear forms of continuity and space. His sculptural work implied engine driven civilizations with complex forms and surfaces. Boccini’s role as a futurist and manifesto helped visualize the future of modern art and literature. · Antonio Sant’Elia – An architect whose sketches and drawings were not executed due to technological limitations. His manifesto also included the dominance of technology. References: Adamowicz, Elza, and Simona Storchi. Back to the Futurists: The Avant-garde and Its Legacy. Meyer, Esther Da Costa. The Work of Antonio Sant'Elia: Retreat into the Future. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1995.

2) Frank Gehry – Work over time – With Gehry’s interest in curvilinear forms, execution at a large scale was difficult through part of his career due to industrial and construction limitations. This stance evident in the projects below. · Compare · Snake Lamp 1983 & Lewis house Lyndhurst Model · American entre Paris References: Abel, Chris. Architecture, Technology, and Process. Boston: Elsevier, 2004.

3) Emergence Technologies in Architecture – Michael Hensel, Michael Weinstock and Achim Menges introduce a new means of architectural practice through advanced technology. They conclude that emergent morphogenetic design is responsive to structural, environmental and architectural elements. The process includes all components of the digital model shift due to external forces. · The idea of emergence with the use of artificial intelligence has potential to generate valid solutions that could not have been taken into account by the designer. · This new way of practice is the future of architecture – however, designers are using it as a means of experimentation, generating small-scale physical models. References: Hensel, Michael, Achim Menges, and Michael Weinstock. Emergent Technologies and Design: Towards a Biological Paradigm for Architecture. Oxon: Routledge, 2010. Hensel, Michael, Achim Menges, and Michael Weinstock. Techniques and Technologies in Morphogenetic Design. London: Wiley-Academy, 2006.

4) The Digital Turn in Architecture – Mario Carpo · Mario Carpo – supports the theory of success and potential in artificial intelligence software and systems. · Deleuze theory on the fold in relation to Peter Eisenman’s theory on modern parametric design. Eisenman describes Deleuze's theory of the fold as “deconstructive”. In this current era, the idea of the fold is still valid only it should be “deconstructive through digital means”. “Rise of electronics is seen here as a general techno-cultural shift that should inspire architects to engage with an unprecedented cultural environment and with a new view of the world.” · Successful Project example: Paper-strip system (physical model) – the outcome of a parametrically derived model. Which embeds material characteristics, structural integrity and manufacturing constraints. (Chapter 11 - from the work of Hensel and Menges) References: Carpo, Mario. The Digital Turn in Architecture: Hoboken: Wiley, 2013.

5) Neri Oxman – Different take on how to use this advanced technology. Experimental models are more about sustainability – Creating new ways of construction with newly developed synthetic materials. Merging structural elements and biology into architecture with means of advanced technology. · As Hensel and Menges are focused on computational morphogenesis, Oxman is interested in the natural morphogenesis of certain materials that structure matter by being synthetically multifunctional. · Silk pavilion – robotic swarm printing “Material limitations could be overcome by enabling automated construction of structural materials; gantry limitations by enabling the construction of large components made of a collective of cooperative small robots; and, finally, method limitations by enabling digital construction methods that are not limited to layered manufacturing, but also support free-form, woven, and aggregate constructions.” · Compare Silk Pavilion with a normal dome – in terms of: characteristics, sustainability, durability, structure, and manufacturing. References: Oxman, Neri. "Structuring Materiality: Design Fabrication of Heterogeneous Materials." Architectural Design, 80, 2019, pp. 78-85. Oxman, Neri, Jorge Duro-Royo, Steven Keating, Ben Peters, and Elizabeth Tsai. "Towards Robotic Swarm Printing." Architectural Design, 84, 2020, pp. 108-115.

6) Political and economic aspects of Parametricism – Parametricism is not to be mistaken for parametric design. Schumacher defines this as a movement. · Parametric design continues to improve over time; this is key to a 21st-century style or movement due to technology of this sort. · Modern construction makes statements that speak for the region and its modernized economic, political and social status. “Because architecture is always at the service of politics and economics, its styles can be understood as a corresponding to specific models of society and socio-economic epochs.” Reference: Poole, Matthew, and Manuel Shvartzberg. The Politics of Parametricism: Digital Technologies in Architecture.

7) Structuralism in cognitive development – metaphorical theory that can relate back to the idea of emergence in technology. · “Structuralism” – A theory that embodies the changing mindset of a human brain due to the changing environment over time. It attempts to change the typical way of thinking and encourages the idea of several complex elements coming together to make one, not necessarily physically or literally. In this case, it is then a way of life over time. · Complex Elements: · Human Brain · Environment · External forces · This ties directly into architecture and its relationship with advanced technology. Emergence is when two different elements are combined and work together, but the idea of them working together and not being literally defined as one thing, keeps the essence of architectural ideas alive, rather than having it be a machine-generated model. Reference: Case, Robbie, and Wolfgang Edelstein. The New Structuralism in Cognitive Development: Theory and Research on Individual Pathways. Basel: Karger, 1993.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The evolution of architecture has historically been intertwined with technological advancements, shaping the ways in which structures are conceptualized, designed, and realized. From the visionary ideas of early 20th-century futurists to sophisticated digital design tools of today, technological innovation continues to redefine architectural boundaries. This paper explores the progression from early futurist visions to contemporary emergent architectural practices driven by digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and biological integration. By critically examining key movements, theorists, and case studies, the discussion highlights how emerging technologies foster new forms, materials, and ecological considerations, shaping the future trajectory of architecture.

Theoretical Background

The theoretical underpinnings of emerging architectural practices draw heavily from digital turn theories articulated by Mario Carpo and cognitive structuralism. Carpo emphasizes the transformative impact of digital technologies on architectural expression, advocating for a 'digital turn' that enables unprecedented design possibilities (Carpo, 2013). Deleuze's concept of the fold, as discussed by Eisenman and contextualized by Carpo, exemplifies how digital parametricism fosters deconstructive and flexible forms that reflect complex cultural and environmental realities (Eisenman, 2006). Meanwhile, cognitive structuralism, as posited by Case and Edelstein (1993), offers a metaphorical framework where the human brain, environment, and external forces dynamically interact, paralleling the emergence process in architectural morphogenesis. These theories collectively inform the understanding of how digital tools and complex systems influence contemporary design processes.

Critique and Examination of Existing Works

The futurist movement of the early 20th century sought the domination and rapid advancement of technology, with manifestoes emphasizing speed, lightness, and innovation. Artists like Umberto Boccini conceptualized engine-driven civilizations through complex, flowing forms, presaging computational aesthetics (Adamowicz & Storchi, 2010). Antonio Sant’Elia’s sketches embodied technological optimism, although their realization was hindered by technological limitations of the era (Meyer, 1995). In contrast, Frank Gehry’s work matured alongside industrial constraints, exemplified by projects like the Lewis House and the Snake Lamp, revealing how technological limitations shape architectural expression over time (Abel, 2004). Recent advancements in emergent technologies, such as morphogenetic design, demonstrate how digital systems simulate biological processes, enabling architects like Hensel, Menges, and Weinstock to explore responsive, adaptive structures that transcend prior constraints (Hensel et al., 2010). The Silk Pavilion by Neri Oxman exemplifies innovative material integration through robotic fabrication, merging biology and architecture for sustainable and complex geometries (Oxman et al., 2019). The political and economic dimensions of parametricism are evident in buildings that reflect societal ideals and technological prowess, aligning architectural styles with regional identity and modern socio-economic shifts (Poole & Shvartzberg, 2018).

Extrapolation into Future Architectural Practice

The integration of emerging digital and biological technologies signals a paradigm shift in architectural practice. As artificial intelligence and morphogenetic robotics become more sophisticated, architects will increasingly employ computational systems that generate unpredicted, optimized forms aligned with sustainability goals. The concept of emergence—where components act as parts of an interconnected whole—will underpin the design process, fostering structures that adapt dynamically to environmental stimuli and human needs. Theories like Deleuze’s fold and cognitive structuralism will inform workflows that simulate complex adaptive systems, aligning architectural morphology with ecological and social contexts. These developments will necessitate a new paradigm of collaboration between digital technologists, biologists, and architects, emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and cultural relevance. Future architectures will not only respond to environmental challenges but also integrate biological processes, creating organic, self-regulating systems that evolve over time, marking a profound evolution from static edifices to living architectures.

Conclusion

Technological advancements continue to propel architecture into an era characterized by complex, responsive, and sustainable design paradigms. From early futurist visions to the current embrace of digital morphogenesis and biological integration, the field is witnessing a transformative shift driven by emergent systems, artificial intelligence, and bio-inspired innovation. Theoretical frameworks such as Carpo’s digital turn, Deleuze’s fold, and structuralist models underscore the importance of embracing complexity and adaptability in future architectural practices. As designers harness these technologies, the boundaries of architecture will expand towards living, adaptive systems that address ecological and societal needs. Ultimately, the ongoing technological emergence promises a future where architecture is not just built but evolves as a living, integral part of the environment.

References

• Abel, Chris. (2004). Architecture, Technology, and Process. Elsevier.
• Adamowicz, Elza, & Storchi, Simona. (2010). Back to the Futurists: The Avant-garde and Its Legacy.
• Carpo, Mario. (2013). The Digital Turn in Architecture. Wiley.
• Eisenman, Peter. (2006). The fold: Deleuze and architecture. Architectural Design.
• Hensel, Michael, Achim Menges, & Michael Weinstock. (2010). Emergent Technologies and Design: Towards a Biological Paradigm for Architecture. Routledge.
• Hensel, Michael, Achim Menges, & Michael Weinstock. (2006). Techniques and Technologies in Morphogenetic Design. Wiley-Academy.
• Meyer, Esther Da Costa. (1995). The Work of Antonio Sant'Elia: Retreat into the Future. Yale University Press.
• Oxman, Neri. (2019). Structuring Materiality: Design Fabrication of Heterogeneous Materials. Architectural Design.
• Oxman, Neri, et al. (2020). Towards Robotic Swarm Printing. Architectural Design.
• Poole, Matthew, & Shvartzberg, Manuel. (2018). The Politics of Parametricism: Digital Technologies in Architecture.