Contemporary Techniques in Architecture

Response to "Prelude: Mapping the Question"
Pérez-Gòmes, Alberto, and Pelletier, Louise. “Prelude: Mapping the Question - The Perspective Hinge." Architectural Representation and the Perspective Hinge. MIT Press, 2000.

Translation vs. Transcription. The advancement of architectural representation stems from the transcription of the real world to architectural interpretation. The translation of the desired ideas and concepts become a watershed moment for which architecture is realized. This "perspectival hinge" is where our process in design begins. 

Architectural Meaning. The authors emphasize the historical importance of orthogonal drawings as the precursors to the more creative activity of construction. They accredit the power and significance of architectural icons to the masons of the era.

Theories of Vision | Natural Perspective

Response to "Contemporary Techniques in Architecture"
Rahim, Ali. “Potential Performative Effects,”Contemporary Techniques in Architecture." Vol. 72- No. 1. John Wiley & Sons, 2001.

Contemporary techniques themselves are effects of previous techniques that result in further cultural transformation through a complex system of feedback and evolution.

This quote from Rahim speaks directly to the latter part of Pérez-Gòmes' preface in which the new representations are repackaged, re-presented techniques. Rahim comments that the contemporary techniques lend themselves to the generation of new architecture. He elaborates by describing the intertwined depth between technology and cultural production: "Technology... is not efficiency-oriented practice measured by quantities but a qualitative set of relations that interact with cultural stimuli." In effect, a feedback loop develops and the bond of technology and cultural becomes ever more definite.

As he begins detailing his thoughts on architecture, Rahim explicitly states his aversion to a static stasis. He uses the example of the computer; all its acts are linear and predetermined. Instead, Rahim prefers the ability to allow room for development and flexibility in design. This delves into this week's exercise of matrical design where we explore the various configurations of our models

The static object that produces predetermined effects defines the real, whereas contemporary processes allow for exploration of the possibilities.

The purpose of the matrix is to allow temporal organizations and our fleshing-out of the iterative process (sounds just like ARCH401).