P T Conference 2014

Integrated Architectural Complexity

- From Abstraction to Technology and Materialisation Rada Čahtarević Arhitektonski fakultet Univerzitet u Sarajevu !Dženana Bijedić Arhitektonski fakultet Univerzitet u Sarajevu !Amra Taso Arhitektonski fakultet Univerzitet u Sarajevu


- From Abstraction to Technology and Materialisation

The goal of environmental issues: !to reach equilibrium within social and natural systems, built and unbuilt environment, past and future, individual and collective needs, !as a result of the complex dynamic balance of the natural and man-made systems.



!Complexity science becomes mediator between modernistic progress with continual development of new and better technology, with postmodern rejection of control and dominance over nature, giving more emphasis on sustainability than on linear progress.



!COMPLEXITY OF NATURAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SPACE !!Complex system consists of large number of individual entities with high interactivity that is mostly nonlinear, with feedback loops. !Complex systems are open to information flows both internally as externally. The border of the complex system is often difficult to define. !



COMPLEXITY OF NATURAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SPACE !!!!!The properties of complex systems are : self-organization and emergence. !

Overall behaviour of smaller components contributes to emergent patterns of higher level.



!COMPLEXITY OF NATURAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SPACE !!Natural systems can be modelled, and described by applying the theory of complex systems. !Natural systems can be abstracted as a distribution network of related elements, which operate by nonlinear interactions. !Models of the complex systems should not be based on properties of individual elements, but on complex relational structure of the system, revealing its dynamic patterns.



COMPLEXITY OF NATURAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SPACE !

The complexity of architecture as a complex totality.

Knowledge in the field of complex natural systems, can initiate the generation of new concepts in the field of architectural planning and design.

Analogies between architecture and natural systems Considering the architecture and nature as complex systems, opens a new insight into possibility of their harmonious integration as holistic unity.



Complexity and holistic approach of traditional architecture !The answer to the problems of increased complexity of the human and man-made environment is possible by a holistic approach. !Holism should not be here understand as simple level of totality over individuality in some system, as a sort of reductionism, but as much complex concept of holism. !Holistic approach could integrate totality and individuality, based on understanding of a system not only as “composition of unity out of diversity, but also a composition of internal diversity out of unity” (Morin, 1992).



!!Complexity and holistic approach of traditional architecture !!!A holistic, integrated approach was mostly achieved in traditional architecture. - empirical experience, local cultural heritage and economic necessities. !Morphogenesis of traditional architecture - flexible, gradual, contextually conditioned by local natural resources. !Traditional spatial patterns have been applied on many different spatial scales and on many functional levels, with sub-levels.



COMPLEXITY OF NATURAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SPACE !!Complexity and holistic approach of traditional architecture !!Different levels of connectivity of the traditional architecture was not based on top-down general plans but on bottom-up growth and development of mutual relations, based on cultural traditions, natural materials, and dynamics of everyday life. !!!!!!!!!!



COMPLEXITY OF NATURAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SPACE !!!!Architecture in post-modern and information society discovers a new dimension through which is possible to achieve integration with natural systems, at the level of the common characteristics of complex systems. !Complex systems could be completely different in their details and material substance, but at the abstract level they have important common features. !!!



Abstraction of space complexity !!Scientific foundation of the concept of space is based on abstract, rational geometric principles. !Reliance of architecture on the abstract idealization of space, is especially emphasized in modernism. !Problem of the geometrisation of space that loses touch with the natural morphology and evolutionary processes, causing the separation of man from the nature. !!!



!Abstraction of space complexity !!New spatial concepts following the theory of complex systems in the field of architecture. !Geometry can abstract and reveal principles of internal structure of complex natural materials and processes, by application of the new fields of geometry, as fractal geometry. !Abstraction of complex systems enable defining unique principles that govern dynamics and development of open systems.



!Abstraction of space complexity !!Hierarchical organization is one of the basic properties of complex systems. Hierarchical network structure is formed by different types of connections on different levels. !Simple order transferred through many levels and scales, could be revealed behind very complex structures and forms of different systems. !The complexity is emerging from non-linear dynamic development through several stages. One level of development becomes starting point for transformations to the next complexity levels. !



!Abstraction of space complexity !!!Different levels of structural complexity could be dependent on initial conditions and on small changes through previous transformations. !One primary state produces multitude of different variations, allowing diversity on unique foundations. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



!Abstraction of space complexity !!Application of abstract principles of complex systems, which in many ways reflects the natural dynamic processes, enables exploration and integration of complex spatial dynamics of different systems. !Integration of geometry with physical structures and materials, abstract information with natural physical and biological processes, is possible only through a

better understanding of the complex nature of their organization. !!!!!!!!



!!Abstraction of space complexity !!!Abstract complex dynamic can be used for simulation and analysis of complex processes, allowing non linear analyses of different scenarios in architectural design. !Generative rules governing developmental dynamics of complex systems from an abstract level of spatial thinking, could be applied to functional or material and structural aspects of architecture, as the integral principles. !Abstraction can be reversed process, in production of industrial materials, whose properties are the result of research and application of abstracted natural and biological processes.



!Abstraction of space complexity

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!Complex dynamic processes have the greatest creative potential, as open processes that could include many levels of different spatiotemporal scales. !Complex processes have emergent properties as the result of numerous individual actions within various scales of spatial and temporal development and maintenance. !!!!



!MATERIALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY IN INTEGRATED DESIGN ! !The integrity of the architectural design absence of a holistic approach, neglecting of integral relations !Complexity requirements of modern facilities, result in a truly complex programs of developmental space-time levels, including different sub fields and sub levels. !Complex multileveled spatial, functional and structural problems in architecture, demand synthesis of the multivariate dimensions, integrated into the overall spatial environment. !!!!



!MATERIALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY IN INTEGRATED DESIGN !!!!!!!!Starting point for tracing the route of the future, should be a proper diagnosis of the current situation and learning from the past. !In traditional cultures, people create their habitat by natural instinct, providing solutions to many problems of modern world : balance of eco-systems, waste recycling, use of local materials and construction techniques, human scale spaces, cultural identity, etc. !!!!!



!MATERIALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY IN INTEGRATED DESIGN ! !!Techno-centric approach identifies and indicates the presence of a problem of endangerment of the environment, believing that the solution lies in the continuous technological development. !!Continuation of human industrialization with its enthusiasm and hope for the endless possibilities of technology, is representatives of the modern taught. Technological development is seen as optimistic, with infinite potential of new ideas and solutions. !!!!!!!!



Nonlinear thinking in integrated design ! !!Integration of abstract thought with material dimensions, utility with aesthetic, technology with natural processes, cultural memory with future possibilities is not a recent problem of architecture, but the gap between those aspects are much wider today. !It is the consequence of unbalanced abstraction and virtualization of the human life, too rapid development of technology and increasing dependence on information technology. !Green movements maybe win some battles on environment protection, but the future of human civilization could not be saved only by methods of saving energy and using less toxic materials. !!



Nonlinear thinking in integrated design ! !!By incorporating advanced technologies without leaving the linear and quantitative approach to the treatment of architectural space and structure, architecture can become even more estranged from natural environment, and more destructive to natural processes including human existence. !A holistic approach offers the possibility of perceiving an architectural issues from multiple perspectives, in a far more complex way opening up the new horizons in to the future.. !!!!



Nonlinear thinking in integrated design ! !!The complexity of the dynamic process of creation of architecture is becoming more pronounced, requiring constant evolution of ideas through their modification and improvement in the process of architectural design. !The process of architectural design rapidly changes, and at the same time generates new ideas, becoming a complex nonlinear process that has been more intuitive in the past, but today includes the application of technology, digital processes and use of computer software.



Nonlinear thinking in integrated design ! !!Architectural building should never been seen as a collection of isolated fragments, but as a hierarchical spatial and material organization, in which the lower levels of the system is actively involved in improving and influencing the existence of higher levels of the system. !Achievement of integrity or holistic unity lies in the relevant interrelations between components and systems. !!



Nonlinear thinking in integrated design ! !!Technology must be changed and integrated with natural processes, on the basis of universal principles of complex dynamics. !Involvement of specialists for different parts of the architectural design and construction works, should be integrated not only by BIM software platforms, but more integrated approach is necessary to avoid further fragmentation on too many levels of architectural project. !



Nonlinear thinking in integrated design ! !!Complexity science becomes mediator between modernistic progress with continual development of new and better technology, and postmodern rejection of control and dominance over nature, with more emphasis on sustainability than on linear progress. !A new way of thinking is necessary to be developed, starting from education, research and social awareness, only then it could be successfully applied in architectural practice. !!!!



Conclusions ! !!

New concepts and new direction in the field of spatial planning and architectural design, through rejecting linear thinking, should produce a holistic result.

The holistic concept of architecture, introducing complex integrated approach at all levels, considers space as a dynamic integrity of multileveled shapes, sizes and connections.

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!Conclusions ! !!New integrated conceptual models in architecture must be based on generative principles, integrating spatial planning, collective functions and global technologies, with processes on the smaller scales, individual interest, participation of local community, and consideration of local traditions. !Synthesis of the top-down and bottom-up approach is not some middle way, but must be comprehended as multi-dimensional integration, resulting in complex dynamic balance. !



Conclusions ! !!!Generating new concepts and new direction in the field of architectural planning and design, with the aim of successful synthesis of architecture and nature, rejecting linear ways of thinking, improvement of design could be achieved through complex integrated approach, at all levels of architecture delivery process, from abstract concepts to materialisation, technologies and structural solutions, resulting in complex dynamic balance.

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P T Conference 2014