GHASSAN ALSERAYHI
MSc. Arch, M. Arch, B. Arch, Assoc. SCE
ARCHITECT + EDUCATOR + RESEARCHER
Geometry and Material Formation:
The Multifaceted Nature of Algorithmic Design in Architecture
Both Kostas Terzidis's 'Expressive Form' (Terzidis, 2003) and Philippe Block's collaborative work with Matthias Rippmann, particularly on the 'Armadillo Vault' (Block and Rippmann, 2016), delve into the immense potential of algorithms and the significance of a paradigm shift in our comprehension and generation of design. Anchored in the realms of geometries and systems, these explorations offer valuable insights, with Terzidis's work focusing on the theoretical and abstract dimensions of the conversation, while Block adopts a more practical-oriented approach. By examining their respective contributions, we can unravel the multifaceted nature of algorithmic design and its implications for architectural theory and practice.
Terzidis's text, 'Expressive Form' (Terzidis, 2003), underscores the transformative power of algorithms and computation. Through theoretical explanations, accompanied by real-world examples, Terzidis illuminates the capacity of algorithms to transcend established boundaries, pushing the boundaries of what we know and embarking on uncharted territories of possibility. This approach resonates with Block's perspective, particularly concerning the form-finding process and the intrinsic relationship between geometries and stability. Block emphasizes the crucial role of geometries in mitigating the negative impact on our environment and finite natural resources. To achieve this, algorithms and programming tools become indispensable in not only solving structural and analytical problems but also inventing novel open resources and tools that empower designers.
In examining the nuanced distinction, both linguistically and conceptually, between 'computation' and 'computerization,' we are confronted with the challenge of identifying the term that best encapsulates the process of inventing new language and algorithmic logic. Block's collaboration with Matthias Rippmann serves as a prime example of this endeavor, where mathematical and structural information derived from preexisting and well-defined methods of problem-solving in other fields, excluding architecture, was harnessed to drive innovation (Block and Rippmann, 2016). Simultaneously, it is crucial to recognize the divergence between tools or thinking logics developed with a specific problem in mind and those that emerge as serendipitous outcomes during exploratory processes. This distinction unveils the intricate interplay between intentionality and accident, as well as the potential for unintended discoveries within algorithmic design.
Furthermore, revisiting the discourse on utilizing pre-identified knowledge to forge new tools and logic sheds light on Terzidis's call for a paradigm shift (Terzidis, 2003). This shift necessitates a fresh perspective that reimagines traditional concepts through innovative lenses. Block and Rippmann's conceptual frameworks exemplify this transformative approach, redefining architectural practice through the exploration of novel geometries (Block and Rippmann, 2016). It is important to note that this paradigm shift extends beyond conceptual frameworks and encompasses fabrication technology and the logic employed in materializing these complex geometries. By harnessing the potential of algorithmic design, architects and designers can transcend the limitations of traditional methods, engaging with a realm of design possibilities that reconfigure our understanding of spatial aesthetics and functionality.