110322 - systems

The organization of a machine [system]…only states relations between components and rules for their interactions and transformations…
- Humbert Maturana & Francisco Varela
Autopoiesis and Cognition 1972

A system is a set of components defined by ‘their interactions and transformations.’ The organization of a system emerges from consistently enacted behaviors among its components. Low-level, part-to-part interactions among the components of a system produce pattern and organization at a higher level. Architects work with systems that have structural (pattern and organization) and dynamic (movement and transformation) aspects.

   Louis Kahn – 

traffic flow study for Philadelphia city center

Busby Berkeley –

42nd Street Musical

Kahn’s traffic flow study and Berkeley’s musical choreography exemplify systems with structural and dynamic aspects. The structural aspect of the system in Kahn’s diagram is the spatial organization of pedestrian and vehicular traffic flows; the dynamic aspect is movement along these flows. The structural aspects of Berkeley’s choreography are the positions and orientations of bodies in space and their relations to one another; the dynamic aspects are the movements and transformations of these bodies. Note that one of these systems is described theoretically in a diagram and the other is realized in physical space.

ATTACHMENT SYSTEM

Develop a system for introducing the light filter to the landscape. Consider structural aspects of this system:

• associate specific modules of the light filter with specific molding pieces, units and/or strands in the landscape
• position and orient the light filter relative to the landscape
• control passage of sunlight through the light filter 

Consider dynamic aspects of this system:

• transform position and orientation of the light filter as it moves across the landscape
• transform how sunlight is controlled across the light filter
• organize flows of bodies through spaces created by the landscape and light filter

Study this system in physical and digital models. Physical models must be built in basswood on the foam landscape. Scale models to 1/4” = 1’-0”.

SYSTEM DIAGRAM

Diagram structural and dynamic aspects of the attachment system.

Structural aspects deal with:

• connections between light filter and landscape
• how light filter modules are positioned and oriented relative to landscape
• how light filter modules are positioned and oriented relative to sunlight

Dynamic aspects deal with:

• how structural aspects transform
• flows of bodies through spaces and across surfaces

This diagram will be an extension of the material analysis drawings (modeled in Rhino, graphics and notations in Illustrator).