clusters

THE PREMISE

Vast streams of data offer a rich resource for designers. By incorporating external information into our design processes the autonomy of the design is challenged. User data, energy calculations, embedded sensing, material and structural simulation, human behaviour and perception, particle flows and force fields allows design to be situated and responsive. From the simulation of megacities to the solid modelling of material systems, design has the potential to be informed by the real. Design sits not separate from is environment but inhabits an ecological system, open, dynamic and interdependent, diverse, partially self-organising, adaptive, and fragile. Across scale and within time we now have the chance to instil architecture with an immanent intelligence creating new relationships between the user, the built and its ecosphere.

<b.THE OPPORTUNITY

Systems theorists suggest that data is only a raw material. It can be differentiated from information, knowledge and wisdom. Understanding is multi-levelled: understanding of relations, understanding of patterns, understanding of principles. As digital designers our challenge is in harnessing the power of computation to assist us in informing our design process. Computers help us collect, manage and analyse the environment and inform us about an abundance of data. Our challenge is to use these inputs in a meaningful way to help us make better informed design decisions.

THE AIM

SG 2011 explores how the incorporation of real world data challenges existing design thinking. The SG 2011 workshop aim is to create physical prototypes of design systems to be exhibited in the SG2011 exhibition.

You are asked to consider:

The role of data and information Use real world data to inform designs systems. How can data be harnessed, captured or live and how can it be interfaced it with the design environment?
The role of calculation Draw on the intertwining of design and analysis to translate and process information. How can data become meaningful for design?
The role of feedback Develop systems that can take time into account, incorporating intelligent feedback mechanisms and learning. How do we integrate the idea of lifecycles and longterm adaption into our design systems and how these generate new information?
The role of the physical The SG2011 workshops aims to create experience through physical prototypes and interactive visualisations. How can intelligent behavioural systems, learning networks and passive responding material systems become tangible?

-Smart Geometry 211