1st Edition
Softspace From a Representation of Form to a Simulation of Space
This well-illustrated book unites essayists and emerging architectural practices to examine how digital tools are increasingly being used in architectural design, not only to show form, structure and geometries but also to visualize and simulate energies and material qualities such as air, gas, sound, scent and electricity.
Softspace takes stock of current advancements in design and research, while drawing on historical and ideological trajectories rooted in the past fifty years. The varied contributors examine the capabilities of such 'energy matters' to act as catalysts for design innovation today.
This well-presented and impressively authored title will provoke architects of all levels to consider the potential for creative and innovative design through the use of digital design tools.
Preface: The Stuff Between, In & Around Sean Lally & Jessica Youn
Introduction: Energies, Matter & the Gradients of Space Sean Lally
Putting out the Fire with Gasoline: Parables of Entropy and Homeostasis from the Second Machine Age to the Information Age Christopher Hight
Potential Energies Sean Lally
The Phenomena of the Non-Visual Michelle Addington
Nested Capacities, Gradient Thresholds & Modulated Environments: Towards Differentiated and Multi-Performative Architectures Michael Hensel & Achim Menges
Dissipative Procedures: Optimization through ‘Phenomenonization’ Chandler Ahrens, Eran Neuman & Aaron Sprecher
Cybernetic Anything... Marcelyn Gow
The Archoid Chimera: Electric Space as Social Machine Tobi Schneidler
Eco_logics Helene Furján
Matter and Sense Jason Payne & Heather Roberge
Postscript: This Pipe is Not a Pipe Dream Lars Lerup
Postscript: I, the Scent Cube and CSI; or, the Controlled Soft Interior Bart Lootsma
Notes, Credits, Biographies
Biography
Sean Lally is Caudill Visiting Assistant Professor at the Rice School of Architecture, Texas, USA
Jessica Young is Director of Publications at the Rice School of Architecture, Texas, USA.