Upload
duongnguyet
View
219
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Mary Ben Bonham
Department of Architecture and Interior Design
Miami University, Ohio USA
Building Technology Educators Society Conference 2011
Convergence and Confluence
Disciplinary convergence Architectural practice & education
in transition
Architecture flows and is formed in response to real-world forces.
Grassroots converges with global.
ABOUT CHANGE
Charles Jencks’ Evolutionary Tree 2000
1970 1980 1990 2000
Professionals are forming new paths of architectural production:
Example: BIM tools support IPD process
ABOUT CHANGE
Integrated Project Delivery model
(wikimedia commons)
ArchitectusingBIMtoolstoanalyzeenergy[IESVE.com]
ANALOGIES
Lyon Confluence, rendering (francetoday.com)
< CONFLUENCE
Cites, trading posts and other sites of converging materials and people grow at places of confluence
The analogy captures the idea of merging flows:
• disciplinary mergers (A + E, design-build…)
• hybrid tools (digital fabrication like CNC)
• innovative design (passive-active HVAC systems like desiccant wheels or under-floor air distribution)
But more dimension is needed to capture the complexity of current practice…
Convergence as Confluence
ANALOGIES
DrainagebasinofRhôneRiver[wikimediacommons]
< WATERSHED
Many sources in a broad field converge into larger and larger pathways.
The analogy captures the idea of many cumulative confluences: • Innovation may be occurring at many “source points” simultaneously • Each confluence or change-producing meeting may redirect an individual, a mode of production, or the course of a whole discipline
But the model of how disciplines interconnect should not be as entirely linear as drainage system…
Approaching confluence: Watershed
ANALOGIES
Divergence and convergence of neurons (Wikimedia commons)
< FLUID NETWORK The intent to collaborate can run counter to natural tendencies
The analogy of neural network captures the idea that design and production is iterative and circuitous: • Each divergence is an innovation (something new is taken up) • Design and production is iterative and circuitous • As we operate between nodes, the connections become stronger
But where does this lead?
Confluence denying gravity: Networks
ANALOGIES
DeltainHaiF
< DELTA
Once powerful flows are developed, these disperses again to enter the sea
The analogy of a delta captures the idea of the divergence that follows convergence: • After R&D comes implementation • After forming new hybrid partnerships, companies develop unique, divergent modes of practice
< SEA The pattern of converging yet diversifying change leads us to a wide and deep field of operations The “changed sea” is a space of sustained fluid exchanges between disciplines.
Dispersing confluence: Delta
ANALOGIES
Plenarysession–aspaceofexchangewithallstakeholderspresent
The landscape or sea of fluid interaction between disciplines
< PLENUM
PLENUM SPACE IN CONSTRUCTION
A cutaway diagram of UFAD system (wikimedia commons)
< PLENUM
In architectural space, the analog space of confluence is the plenum.
In plenum spaces, elements of architectural space converge and interact:
Structure
Materials
Building Systems
It takes a plenum of disciplinary experts to make these hybrid passive-active spaces successful.
Convergence in Construction
PLENUM SPACE IN TEACHING
Architectural Education also needs spaces of fluid interaction, with students and
practitioners other disciplines in the mix.
EMERGING TREND: The Miami Design Collaborative fosters confluence in a foundation level course, “Innovation, Creativity, and Design Thinking”, part of the Design Thinking Certificate program.
Intramural > Extramural
THEN: Classroom: Abstract concepts NOW: More field trips: Concrete experience
PLENUM SPACE IN TEACHING
Topics can cross-pollinate between lecture and studio
THEN: Books and lectures NOW: Online learning modules for studio
PLENUM SPACE IN TEACHING
By nature of the topic, BTES faculty deal with convergent disciplines…
> Building envelope design deals with structure, cladding, thermal, acoustic, not to site program and aesthetic aims
> Ceiling design deals with structure, interior finish, acoustic, environmental systems, etc… the plenum
We can lead the way in and around our departments to facilitate education in a plenum-like space of convergence.
PLENUM SPACE IN EDUCATION
Building technology educators – special agents of change