Form defining strategies

More about the book

This book explores experimental design methodologies in architecture and their academic implementation. It features theoretical insights from guest essayists and numerous conceptual design examples, reflecting a holistic approach. The studies originated from a two-day workshop in 2006 with architecture students at the Technical University of Darmstadt. Due to the brief timeframe, functional specifications and local context were not addressed. The resulting models are organizational systems developed through diagrammatic thinking, representing processed data and strategies. The teaching concept diverged from traditional methods, fostering innovative solutions during the design process. The workshop encouraged the development of novel spatial modules, integrating material and structural considerations. Various design techniques facilitated the creation of integrative spatial concepts, with geometry playing a crucial role. Subsequent studies followed specific rules, transforming them into diagrams and physical models. Materiality became a key consideration, as the characteristics of different materials influenced geometrical possibilities and enhanced spatial qualities. This methodology underscores the importance of physical models, even in a digital age, allowing architects to explore unpredictable spatiality that emerges organically. Ultimately, the design process is presented as a conscious and ambitious exploration of innovat