Theory of Advanced Architecture and Informational Society – Relational Logics – Analysis

Students :
Khushboo Jain
Prajakta Panchal
Varsha Subba Rao

Tutors :
Maite Bravo
Ricardo Devesa

Any built mass shares a relationship with its immediate environment. It is constantly affected by the activities and transitions that take place in the environment, and vice versa. In order to maintain a sound relation between the two, it is important to first understand various aspects of this relationship. The explored relational logics are : 

• Positional relations – Between the physical position of a structure in relation to its immediate natural context.
• Metaphorical relations – Adaptation of some form of nature or natural characteristic in design.
• Atmospherical relations – Interacting with the immediate context through visual or spatial connections. 
• Intangible relations – Creating a relationship between the structure and intangible factors of the environment.
• Disturbed relations – Incorporating nature in design in a way that creates a rigid bond between the environment and the structure. 
• Environmental relations – Incorporating nature in design in a way that the environment enhances the space/structure. 

Environmental Relations – Cherapunji Bridges, India –

Cherapunji Bridge, India

Nature and architecture have deep connection back in time , also once mentioned ” the Column must be round , because nature makes nothing square ” by Marc Antoine Laugier talks about how the environment shouldn’t be tamed , but the architecture should be tamed based on the environment. We can also relate this to the thought process of Saint jerome about the desert and nature. About how two different spaces can create two different kinds of environment for human brain to evolve. Cherapunji living bridges get strengthened by nature day by day. It shows how nature, in its own is so advanced and if a structure is designed to follow nature’s direction, it makes architecture stronger. The environmental relations should be mandatory for mental peace before arriving at the world peace parade.

Metaphorical Relations – Gardens by the Bay, Singapore –

Gardens by the bay

In architecture, metaphor doesnt mean immitating a natural form or a shape. It also means adapting the concept / working of the natural form in design. Gardens by the bay thus take inspiration from trees and immitates its basic characteristic of pumping water upto 50m high to feed several plant species. These iconic vertical gardens act as tree like shading systems during the day while coming alive through an exhilirating display of light at night. 

Disturbed Relations – Dubai Palm Jumeirah –

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

“We do not inherit the world from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”. Architecture and environment should blend with each other harmoniously to create sustainable atmospheres that do not hamper the future generations. Some of the architectural developments today have not been thought of in terms of sustainability, thereby causing damage on a larger scale.

The impact of architecture,if miscalculated, could have negative effects on nature. Palm Jumeirah could be considered advanced for the technology involved in its architecture and engineering, but it obstructs the natural course of water and loosens the existing soil quality, thus creating a disturbed eco system.

From the scale of a wall to a city, the balance between nature and architecture should be maintained. As building and development professionals, we bear a particular responsibility?—?and have a unique opportunity?—?to lead the world in the search for long-term, practical solutions that take advantage of our existing urban assets in a sustainable, smart-way.

Positional Relations – Notre dame Cathedral

NotreDam

The zoning of any space or region is the most important part of the design process. The position of the openings and other elements deeply influence the behavior of a space by creating micro climates and also link one space to the other.

Positional Logic defines the ambiance of the space by the placement of various architectural elements. Architects can take advantage of such principles to bring about the kind of atmosphere they wish to. 

Atmospherical Relations – Holocaust Museum, Switzerland Villas

Holocaust Museum, Germany

Villa Switzerland

Atmosphere is the aura around an object generated by the object. It is a swirling climate of the intangible effects created by the physical form. It is infact, emanated by the object itself. Designing a structure eventually leads to designing an atmosphere. Architecture is capable of creating various micro climates which can trigger different emotions in people. Holocaust museum does just that.

In the representation of the buildings, the representation of the atmosphere around the building sets the mood of the object. By entering a space, it is a shift of the microclimate from the outside to the inside. Thus, Architecture can be defined as a play of the micro-climates. As much as architects try to define atmosphere and control it, it can neither be controlled nor defined. Its a magical illusion that exists around every creature. Atmosphere is beyond any form of analysis. As architects, we can only create microclimates that respond to the other atmospheres, thus creating its own!

All the examples try to understand the relation between natural factors and architecture and the balance (or the lack of it) between the two. It is essential to work around existing conditions of a particular site so as to come up with more responsive habitable living spaces. If not, the consequences are evident. A detailed analysis of the immediate surroundings, terrain, soil, sun, wind, etc makes one understand how to deal with factors that would (or not) optimize the design. Advanced architecture could be a culmination of this analysis.