Cybernetics has been defined, as ‘the art of effective action’. Yet architecture in developing countries tends to emulate the configurations familiar to the industrialized world…
Abstract
Cybernetics has been defined, as ‘the art of effective action’. Yet architecture in developing countries tends to emulate the configurations familiar to the industrialized world forsaking ‘the hidden dimension of culture’ a sure recipe for alienation—the affliction of populations of many urban housing solutions. Intention: ‘to investigate the isomorphy of concepts, laws and models in various fields’ and review design strategy which may ‘enable us to integrate our knowledge of mind with our knowledge of the physical world’. In the search for coherent theory, or ‘the four deep structures at the roots of architecture’ are involved Hillier and Pearlman (1967, 1973, 1977, 1979) with their isomorphic ‘four function’ paradigms. Adoption of the research approach of Pask's ‘redundant holist’, searching for and attending to diverse types of information, led to the revelation of an isomorphy between a particular set of ‘four functions’ devoped by Pearlman (1977) and the ‘four principles’ of Gestalt thereby advancing the understanding of the intentions and processes that cause forms to exist and give them their significance and meaning.
One of the neglected roles of experiment is the creation of phenomena which then become the centrepiece of theory. The belief that seminal experiments in architectural design must…
Abstract
One of the neglected roles of experiment is the creation of phenomena which then become the centrepiece of theory. The belief that seminal experiments in architectural design must now be reclassified to represent genuine paradigms of “created phenomena” is discussed. The remedy suggested is their analysis, critical evaluation and scrutiny of seminal texts to open the way for the development of topological approaches to design and extension of cybernetics into the field of architecture and construction.
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Considers that architecture continues to be tempted to narrow down its area of concern to that which it can manage with available techniques. Believes it avoids those problems…
Abstract
Considers that architecture continues to be tempted to narrow down its area of concern to that which it can manage with available techniques. Believes it avoids those problems which seem too intractable and ignores the “objects” it needs to appreciate if it is to succeed. Advocates that more time should be spent working on a general method for solving problems and developing co‐ordinated approaches to a common purpose architecture. Sees the research findings in artificial intelligence as underpinning the imperative for “domain specific knowledge” (to inform the future competences of computer programs). As a result launches the quest for a method of knowledge fusion and presents an initial paradigm for architectural design.
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Reviews experiments in design and urbanism, intervening in the development of transdisciplinary systems theory for decision‐making organizations. Presents beyond state‐of‐the‐art…
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Reviews experiments in design and urbanism, intervening in the development of transdisciplinary systems theory for decision‐making organizations. Presents beyond state‐of‐the‐art phenomena, of a morphological and topological type (out of architecture), and advocates harnessing such creativity power to problem solving in informatics.
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Pentad City proposes a new environ‐ment of urban structure in the wake of recent upheavals in crystallography, materials science, mathematics and structural morphology.
Abstract
Pentad City proposes a new environ‐ment of urban structure in the wake of recent upheavals in crystallography, materials science, mathematics and structural morphology.
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The purpose of this paper is to recall the influential role of Professor John Rose in stimulating development of sustainable cybernetic frameworks designed to contend with the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to recall the influential role of Professor John Rose in stimulating development of sustainable cybernetic frameworks designed to contend with the daunting challenges obtaining in the domain of urban habitat generation.
Design/methodology/approach
Objectives are realized via discrimination of invaluable opinion (information/data), case study analyses of experiments (projects), differentiation of distinguished effects (phenomena), and intervention in the evolution of urban planning theory.
Findings
It is found that the disposition of geometrical forms of quasi‐crystal type – “Penrose Tiling” or “Shechtmanites” – realizes extensive economies in urban space allocations (land use), escalation of population indices (density), substantial contraction of time and distance in movement patterns (energy conservation): a triplet (encompassing quantity, quality and economy) are surely applicable in a world confronted by the unceasing demand for urban shelter and threat of a global economic meltdown.
Practical implications
Transformation of the manually derived models (for town design) is dependent on significant investment in the phase involving development of complex algorithms for enabling combinatorial computing and modeling; the sine qua non for testing applications at various scale levels prior to development of a universally viable computer software. The implications for urban habitat policies generally would be phenomenal if not revolutionary should the envisaged software ever be realized.
Originality/value
Exposure of original work in progress enhances the potential for obtaining valuable feedback from intrigued professionals as well as potential consumers, particularly those from public sector housing agencies experiencing acute budgetary agendas.