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 up new channels, unleashing new ways for buildings to flex with their occupants — and best of all, it will be able to do this at varying speeds, with great material variations and with an infinite array of stimuli during just about any stage of a building’s lifecycle.
Stimuli which can impact the many variations and rules applied to an algorithmic architecture and its computer language can range from triggers like environmental cues as well as occupant behavioral cues. It can also be beauty-oriented in its own right. Furthermore, algorithmic architecture doesn’t just have to stop at being goal-oriented.
In the video below you can see the algorithmic sculpting of a simple cube. I watched this little clip a few times and started to get some interesting ideas about what even this simple demonstration can mean for architectural design in the future. Take a look:
Image: fdecomite | Flickr
