INSTRUCTOR: Lalvani
UA Pratt Institute School of Architecture
Topological Origins: Gaudi
The shift towards biomorphism in architecture, enabled by advances in digital manipulation of form, raises the question of the origin of organic form. We look at the pioneering work of Antonio Gaudi for some insight into this. We “decode” Gaudi’s work to demonstrate that his is not whimsical “biomorphic” form-making. There are rigorous morphological (topological, structural) principles underlying his great work. This decoding enables the “encoding” of related and derivative morphologies. The project is an extension of faculty research in genetics of architecture.
Each semester, we begin/continue decoding the topology of a new Gaudi building. Our studies have included Casa Mila, Parc Guell and Casa Batilo. The emphasis is on the physicality and underlying topology of building forms.
Course Requirements:
Weekly participation. Ongoing project. No mid-term or end-term exams/projects.
Bibliography:
Architecture and Science, ed, Guiseppa Di Cristina, AD book, Wiley-Academy, 2001
Hypersurface Architecture 1 and 2, ed. Stephen Perrella, AD, 1998 and 1999.
Cyberspace, the World of Digital Architecture, Images Publishing, Australia, 2000.
Organic Approach to Architecture, ed. Deborah Gans and Zehra Kuz, Wiley-Academy, 2003.
George Francis, A Topological Picturebook, Springer, 1987.
Lalvani, H., Guest ed., Morphology and Architecture, International Journal of Space Structures, Multi-Science Publ., UK, Vol. 11, Nos 1 and 2, 1997.
Nooshin, H., ed., Studies in Space Structures, Multi-Science Publ., UK, 1991.
Gabriel, F., ed., Beyond the Cube, Wiley, 1997.
Banchoff, T., Beyond the Third Dimension, Scientific American Books, Freeman, 1990.
Kappraff, J., Connections, The Geometric Bridge between Art and Science, 2nd Edition, World Scientific, 2001.
A.V. Shubnikov and V.A. Koptsik, Symmetry in Science and Art, Plenum, 1975.
Selected works of Piano, Calatrava, Grimshaw, Foster, Katavolos, Giorgini, Johansen, Hilbertz, Bini, Pearce, Burt, Hoberman, Baracs, Rice, Escrig, Pinero, Wester and others.
