1st Edition

Softspace From a Representation of Form to a Simulation of Space

Edited By Sean Lally, Jessica Young Copyright 2007
    224 Pages
    by Routledge

    224 Pages
    by Routledge

    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.