Architectural practice & education in transition

Disciplinary convergence

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

Change is a constant.

ABOUT CHANGE

Charles Jencks’ Evolutionary Tree 2000

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 PRACTICE

BIMcoordinaFonmeeFng–aplenarysessionofmulFpledisciplines

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

PLENUM SPACE IN EDUCATION

Architectural Education also needs spaces of fluid interaction

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