Modeling: Reducing, Testing, Experiencing Architecture

Abstract

The seminar investigates a long term tradition of modeling in architecture dedicated to measure building’s performances.Through weakly readings, class discussion and visits we will explore different ways to experience architecture at little scale. Conveying virtual and empirical tools, aesthetic and technical goals, the practice of modeling allow a transversal reading on architectural history.

Objective

Enlarge a background of historical knowledge and architectural culture. Developing a critical reflexion on techniques of representation. Importantly bring to attention the value of fabricating in the process of architectural conceptualization.

Content

The seminar focuses on the fabrication of architectural models not just as miniaturized buildings, but rather as ways to observe their environmental proprieties. By observing and comparing different samples of technical models, we will observe on the one hand various ways of testing mechanical proprieties of buildings within physical reduced models, and on the other hand we will explore how digital tools, through parametric modeling, allow virtual simulations of architectural projects. Both methods offer ways for technically anticipate and experience the environmental proprieties of architecture by synthesizing the complexity of a built project. These methods connect with a nineteenth century tradition of technical models conceived for scientific research and applied to architecture for experiencing building performances. Over the semester we will critically discuss key notions such as representation, analog, objectivity, illusion, immersion, simulation as a ground vocabulary to build on. Despite a shared way of thinking, virtual and empirical tools are nowadays used in a complementary way: the friction between these two approaches will be the object of the overall seminar.

Resources