Keepers of
the Geometry | Yanni Loukissas
Loukissas is investigating
the changes in the practice of architecture due to Computer-aided design. He
begins by describing architecture as a relationship between three sets of
standards: technical, economic, and aesthetic. He posits that architects are
shifting from emphasis on aesthetically focused design to technically focused design
as a result of new technologies in simulation (modeling). He documents this
transformation in two firms, Paul Morris Associates and Ralph Jerome
Architects.
In Paul
Morris Associates office there is a single sort of ‘techie’ that is teaching
CATIA to the rest of the firm. Each person seems to have a different view of
the software and how it should be used to create architecture. Some people in
the firm such as Thorndike and Laird find their identity in their expertise of
the software and are important to the firm because of this knowledge. Whereas others,
like Shales, have found a niche as a people-person due to her avoidance of
learning the software. The principal, Morris, has developed a neo master-apprentice
relationship with Thorndike. As they review designs on the computer Thorndike
has a better understanding of how the software works but is able to receive feedback
and tutelage from Morris on architectural design and principles while also
helping Morris learn about computer-aided design.
At Ralph
Jerome Architects they also have a ‘techie’ but instead of teaching everyone
else the software he is the link between everyone else and the software. He is
the keeper of the machines more than designer.
I think I
would rather be at a firm like Paul Morris Associates where everyone is given
the responsibility of learning the software. Even though there is more turmoil
about how it should be used, it encourages everyone to be a well rounded
designer that is capable with different design tools. This reading suggests
that a sort of unstoppable change in architecture is happening and it is up to
each individual to decide how to respond to that change.
