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DISTILLED PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

from the IT CAAD course (Information Technology Computer-Aided Architectural Design) and the reading of the book Introduction to the Information Revolution in Architecture curated by Prof. Antonino Saggio

In an era where architecture dances to the rhythm of information technology, this book guides the reader through the intricacies of space, time, and technology. With an approach that balances theory and practice, it presents a vision of architecture not merely as physical construction, but as a living expression of our interaction with information. It is a reading that challenges and enriches, forcing us to reconsider not only how we perceive the space around us, but also and especially how we should shape it. Architecture reveals itself not only as art and science, but as an ongoing dialogue with the very fabric of human existence.

Part One: Content Issues

I. SUBSTANCES

The first chapter of the book explores the concept of substance in modern architecture, closely linking it to ideas of crisis, modernity, aesthetics, and the information revolution. Through the thoughts of various theorists, architectural research is illustrated as a response to the needs, problems, and opportunities emerging from industrial society and, subsequently, from the information society. This transition highlights how architecture has faced and must continue to face the challenges posed by a world dominated by information technology, transforming crises into values through an aesthetics of rupture and innovation.

Substance: The core meaning that ties architecture, crisis, modernity, aesthetics, and the information revolution together.
Crisis: Considered not as an obstacle, but as a value and an opportunity for transformation and contradictory morality.
Modernity: Defined as an attitude that transforms crises into value, promoting an aesthetics of rupture.
Aesthetics of Rupture: A radical shift from the past, seeking to respond to crises and needs through innovation.
Information Revolution: The transition from an industrial society to an information society, bringing new crises and opportunities for architecture.
Communication and Information: Central elements of the post-industrial society that deeply influence architecture.
Sustainability and Landscape: New paradigms of architectural research that re-examine the relationship between architecture and nature.
Systemic Space and Time: The abandonment of a deterministic approach in favor of a more complex and integrated conception of space and time.

II. COMMUNICATION

The second chapter emphasizes the importance of the Bauhaus building in modern architecture, highlighting the need to transcend the paradigms it proposed. It discusses the transition from eliminating symbolism and communicativeness in architecture, characteristic of the Modern Movement, to a renewed value of communication and symbolism. This change is reflected in the adoption of new architectural forms that emphasize narrative and imagery, as demonstrated by the Sydney Opera House and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The chapter closely ties this evolution to the information society, emphasizing how information technology and communication are becoming central in defining a new architectural language that goes beyond the superficial use of information to transform it into the very essence of architecture.

Bauhaus: Fundamental in the history of architecture but needs to be surpassed to adapt to new paradigms.
Return of the Cathedral: Communication and symbolism, once eliminated, are now deemed essential in contemporary architecture.
Public Communication: Architecture regains its role as a communicator in society, as evidenced by works like the Guggenheim in Bilbao.
Super-Symbolic Society: The information society emphasizes the importance of narrative and symbolism in architecture.
Value of Information: Information becomes the main added value, deeply influencing architectural design and functionality.
Transparency in Bauhaus: A key element in the past that needs to be reinterpreted in the new architectural phase.
Overcoming Functionalism: The need to revisit the fundamental elements of architectural design to reflect the challenges and tools of contemporary society.
Information as Essence: The goal is to integrate information not just as a narrative element but as the foundation of modern architecture.

III. CITY

The chapter explores the role of information and information technology in shaping contemporary cities, introducing eight pairs of opposing concepts to outline the transition towards new urban and architectural paradigms. These paradigms shift from traditionally conceived space and time towards a reality where digital and information prevail, radically transforming the way we live, work, and interact in urban space. The contemporary city is seen as a complex fabric of networks rather than a sequence of separated functional spaces, reflecting the fluidity and hybridization of functions that characterize the information society.

Display vs. Clock: Revolutionizes our conception of time, making it ubiquitous and fluid.
Networks vs. Chain: Prefers the simultaneity of processes and the coexistence of functions over sequential production.
Anti-Zoning vs. Zoning: The information city challenges the concept of functional homogeneity, favoring the overlapping of functions.
Driving Force vs. Mono-functionality: Mixité becomes central, promoting a combination of different activities in one space.
Drawings vs. Projects: Emphasizes the importance of designing through dynamic interconnections rather than for large static designs.
Rebuilding Nature vs. The Far West: Replaces indiscriminate urban expansion with the construction of an integrated and sustainable landscape.
Complexity vs. Linearity: Embraces complexity and simulation as methods to explore new urban and architectural possibilities.
In-between vs. In-front: Promotes integration and interconnection rather than opposition between new and old, inside and outside.

IV. LANDSCAPE

The chapter on Landscape explores the evolution from industrial domination over nature to a sustainable model that promotes a reciprocal integration between the natural environment, society, and urban and architectural structures. At the center of this renewed vision, information technology emerges as a fundamental element, facilitating a symbiosis between the natural and the man-made that surpasses the old concept of a nature to be confined. In this context, the landscape asserts itself as an aesthetic and cultural manifestation in constant change, a shared fabric that reflects a fusion of multiple functions. In detail, the landscape takes on the role of guide in architectural design, evolving from a mere entity to be subdued to a symbol of coexistence and dialogue between man and nature. This new approach to landscape goes beyond a purely visual or aesthetic dimension, extending to a broader interpretation that includes scientific and botanical knowledge. Information technology supports and amplifies this perspective, through the use of digital simulations that allow for a deep understanding and refined integration of landscape dynamics.

Reciprocal Integration between Nature and Humanity: A shift from industrial supremacy over nature to a balanced and sustainable relationship, harmonizing natural elements with human and architectural needs.
Fundamental Role of Information Technology: The introduction of information technology as a lever for advanced fusion between the natural and the architectural, challenging the old prerogative of human dominance over the environment.
Multifunctionality and Sharing: The landscape reveals itself as a dynamic and collectively appreciated entity, synthesizing a variety of functions in a single aesthetic and functional continuum.
Landscape as a Design Paradigm: A conceptual evolution that promotes the landscape from a battleground between man and nature to a mediator and inspiration for architectural design.
Fusion of Aesthetics and Science: A holistic approach to the landscape that integrates visual beauty with scientific and botanical rigor, enriching the architectural narrative.
Digital Simulations for Landscape Understanding: The use of information technology to decipher and integrate the inherent complexity of landscapes into the design process.

Part Two: Theoretical Aspects

V. INFORMATION

The chapter on Information deliberates on the fundamental distinction between data and information in the computing field, emphasizing that in reality, information technology deals exclusively with information, as data must be contextualized and interpreted through specific conventions to acquire meaning. This understanding leads to the idea that information technology is inherently linked to modeling, the process of shaping information by creating models. These models, essentially dynamic, are at the heart of the information revolution and find direct application in architecture, where they serve as tools to reinterpret and materialize information in the physical world.

Data vs. Information: A datum becomes information only when contextualized and interpreted through a convention.
Computing as Formalization: Computing starts with intrinsic formalization, dealing not with raw data but with structured information.
Modeling: The process of shaping information, creating models that represent the dynamic formalization of such information.
Dynamic Models: At the core of the information revolution, dynamic models are essential for transferring information into the architectural context, serving as a bridge between the conceptual and the concrete.

VI. TIME

The chapter on Time tackles the complex theme of time and space, highlighting a fundamental paradigm shift from an objective to a subjective conception. The text explores how time is considered a directional dimension of space and how space itself is defined by traversable intervals, challenging the idea of absolute time and space. The idea is introduced that each reference system has its own space-time autonomy, dependent on the context of reference. The discussion extends to architecture and technology, emphasizing how technological prostheses, particularly the Internet, revolutionize our navigation and perception of space-time, introducing concepts of interactivity and physical mutability of architectural spaces in response to external desires and needs.

Time as Spatial Direction: Challenges the traditional perception of time as the fourth dimension, proposing it instead as spatial orientation.
Space as Traversable Interval: Defines space in terms of distance and navigability.
Autonomy of Reference Systems: Each reference system is autonomous and valid internally, with its own space-time coordinates.
Relativity of Time and Space: Contrasts the idea of the absoluteness of time and space, highlighting how they vary based on the reference system.
Space-Time Navigability: Introduces the concept of movement through space-time dimensions that allows transitions not only spatially
Technology as Human Extension: The Internet and other technologies are seen as prostheses that extend human capabilities, significantly influencing the perception and interaction with space and time.
Dynamic and Interactive Architecture: Architecture becomes a field of application for these concepts, adapting and mutating in response to external variables and user desires, thanks to integration with digital technologies.

VII. SPACE

The chapter on Space explores the intrinsic relationship between information, time, and space perception in contemporary architecture. It emphasizes how information, understood as the raw material of architectural research, and time, defined as the first dimension of space, shape our understanding of space itself. The perception of color and transparency, crucial elements in this context, is described as highly contextual and subjective, dependent not only on the physical properties of the observed object but also on the cognitive characteristics of the observer. The chapter advances the idea that space, similar to color, exists in function of context and subjective interpretations, suggesting that space itself is a form of information, shaped by cultural and cognitive conventions rather than physically measurable objective attributes.

Information as Raw Material: Contemporary architecture draws its essence from information, which becomes the central core of spatial research and creation.
Time and Space: Time is considered the first dimension of space, with spatial perception influenced by controllable cognitive dimensions.
Contextual Color and Transparency: The perception of color and transparency is relative and depends on the context in which they are perceived, highlighting how these qualities are not absolute but modulated by the environment and the observer.
Hyper-Contextual Transparency: Transparency, from a catalyst element of industrial architecture to a highly subjective characteristic, demonstrates how perception is influenced by the cultural and physical context.
Electronics as Building Material: The use of electronics in architecture allows the incorporation of various levels of information through variable transparency schemes.
Space as Information: The conception of space is redefined as an informative construction, dependent on context and subjective interpretations rather than a physically defined structure.

VIII. THE MODEL

The chapter on “The Model” explores the concept of the model in architecture, tracing the evolution from the objective model of functionalist architecture to a contemporary approach characterized by dynamic interactions of information. While the traditional model was based on objective needs and predetermined solutions (“if-then”), contemporary thought adopts a deductive approach (“what-if”), favoring experimentation and hypothesis testing through dynamic data manipulation. The introduction of digital technologies, such as spreadsheets and GIS programs, has made data easily modifiable and has allowed for the exploration of system relationships, pushing towards semantic simulation and the use of expert systems to address design problems with deterministic, generative, and performance-based approaches. The hierarchical structure of data in architecture, including primitives, instances, objects, and classes, allows for a dynamic representation open to simulation, emphasizing mutability and interconnection as key aspects of contemporary design.

Objective vs. Dynamic Model: Transition from an architectural approach based on fixed solutions to a flexible and dynamic design process driven by information.
Contemporary Thought: Adoption of a deductive method that explores various possibilities through the formulation of questions and hypothesis testing, favoring flexibility and adaptability.
Digital Technologies: Use of tools like spreadsheets and GIS programs to manipulate and analyze data, making the design process more dynamic and informed..
Semantic Simulation: Application of expert systems to provide solutions to design problems through deterministic, generative, and performance-based approaches.
Hierarchical Structures: Organization of design data into a dynamic structure that facilitates simulation and complex representation of architectural projects.
Primitives, Instances, Objects, Classes: Constituent elements of architectural models that allow for the construction and simulation of complex environments.
Simulation and Processual Approach: Centrality of simulation as a design method, allowing for the exploration and testing of variable scenarios interactively.

Part Three: New Spaces of Interactivity

IX. REIFICATION

The concept of Reification in architecture is explored as the process of transforming ideas into material reality, where information becomes the core of spatial creation. Contrary to the traditional conception of space as an objective entity, reification in contemporary architecture emphasizes the importance of interactivity and the mental landscape, integrating technology and science to conceive space as a dynamic and informatized system. This approach considers space not only as a physical context but as a complex network of information, where architecture acts as the material organization of these data. Contemporary research aims at a hyper-informatized architecture, reflecting a mental landscape enriched by dynamic interconnections and a systemic vision, redefining the relationship between nature and the built environment and proposing a new model of landscape characterized by complexity and digital interactivity.

Reification in Architecture: Transformation of information into material reality, with a focus on interactivity and technological integration.
Space as Information: Vision of space as a dynamic system of relationships and information, opposing the conception of objective space.
Mental Landscape: The scientific and technological conception of space influences architectural perception and design, promoting a non-linear approach.
Hyper-Informatized Architecture: Pursuit of a space defined by hyper-information, where dynamic interconnections and systemic logic shape the built environment.
Interactivity and Complexity: The contemporary landscape as an expression of overlapping and dynamic connections, reflecting the complexity of digital life.
Materialization of Informatics: The goal of making informatics tangible in architecture, through the creation of spaces that embody informative and interactive principles.

X. CATALYST

The concept of Catalyst in architecture is investigated as the key element that stimulates and guides architectural research and creation. In contemporary architecture, interactivity is identified as the main catalyst, shifting the focus from transparency, characteristic of functionalist architecture, to an emphasis on communication and metaphor. Interactivity promotes a user-centered approach, fostering the creation of spaces that are both dynamic and reconfigurable, reflecting the complexity of modern information systems. This paradigm shift introduces a new dimension in architectural design, where narrative and metaphor become essential tools, allowing for non-linear and multidirectional navigation of architectural space, similar to hypertext in the digital field. This approach radically transforms the perception and interaction with space, indicating a continuous reconfiguration of space-time relationships.

Interactivity as Catalyst: The central element in contemporary architectural research, emphasizing communication and metaphor creation.
User-Centeredness: Shifts focus from the absolute architectural object to the user’s experience and interaction with space.
Interconnected and Reconfigurable Models: Architecture incorporates the flexibility of information systems, promoting the creation of adaptive spaces.
Continuous Spatial Reconfiguration: A dynamic approach that challenges traditional conceptions of time and space through the continuous evolution of the architectural context.
Narrative and Metaphor: Storytelling and communication become fundamental elements of design, replacing linear thinking with a multidirectional one.
Hypertext as a Communicative Model: Architecture adopts a communicative structure similar to hypertext, allowing for non-linear navigation of space.

Part Four: Synthesis

XI. COMPUTERIZABLE ARCHITECTURE

The chapter on Computerizable Architecture explores the transition from functionalist architecture, characterized by an “organ-space” defined primarily by function, to a conception of “system-space” typical of the information age, where interconnection between spaces prevails. In this context, networking and interactivity replace module and linearity, with information becoming the added value of architecture. Narrative and the ability to communicate become focal points, positioning architecture as a dynamic and reconfigurable system that integrates second-level metaphors and technological prostheses to expand perceptions of time and space. Examples such as the Blur Building by Diller Scofidio + Renfro illustrate how architecture can take on a dynamic dimension, transforming in response to external conditions and acting as a new form of subjectivity that reflects the complexity and fluidity of information in the built environment.

Organ-Space vs. System-Space: Evolution from functionality to networking and interconnection as guiding principles of architecture.
Interactivity: A catalytic element that puts the user at the center and promotes architecture as a communication system based on metaphors.
Information as Added Value: Architecture that communicates and integrates into the world of information, elevating information as a primary value element.
Dynamic Models: The use of information to create architectures that are continuously reconfigurable and adaptive.
Technological Prostheses: Tools that extend the perception of time and space, integrating new dimensions of information into architecture.
Blur Building as Paradigm: An example of how architecture can vary in response to external conditions, symbolizing the architecture of information.
From Object to Subject: The transition from an objective to a subjective vision of architecture, reflecting a shift towards greater emphasis on interaction and personalization.

These schemes and summaries represent a personal synthesis based on my notes taken during the course, the reading of the book under examination, and enriched by considerations drawn from the reading of Architecture and Modernity. As such, they reflect my interpretation of the topics covered and are subject to my personal understanding of the material. Therefore, they may contain subjective interpretations and, despite my efforts for accuracy, potential inaccuracies.

INTRODUCTION TO THE INFORMATION REVOLUTION IN ARCHITECTURE