John James Marshall thesis.pdf - OpenAIR @ RGU - Robert Gordon ...

Obviously it is necessary to look beyond the domain of sculpture to other
discourses for critical discussion.
2.5 Developments in architectural practice
The idea that one might include architecture in this study might seem
problematic - given the disciplinary disputations about whether the products of
some of the more experimental architects can be called ‘Architecture’ since there
have been few buildings produced entirely by computer-based design and
fabrication tools. As pointed out previously by Hatzellis (see section 2.4)
architectural design projects generated by 3D animation software have been
criticised for being unrealistic, unconstructible and incomprehensible (Gwilt,
2006, p.39). Kolarevic (2005) suggests there is a direct relationship between
the tools architects use and the buildings they build. He argues that this is why
when pens and set squares were the tools of choice buildings all tended to be
rectilinear. He claims this is why ‘blob’ forms seem to be ubiquitous in
computer-based, experimental or critical architecture practice because of the
capabilities of the software used. The term ‘Architecture’ itself is of Greek and
Latin derivation. ‘Building’ on the other hand has Anglo-Saxon roots. In
common use they refer to the same things and are synonyms. Nevertheless, they
have different connotations; ‘Architecture’ meaning something superior to
‘building’. However, for this study ‘Architecture’ is considered the activity of
‘designing buildings’.
The technological developments of architectural CAD with computer-aided
manufacture (CAM) and the exploitation of new materials and processes have
revolutionised architectural practice. Computer-based design and fabrication
tools have rapidly become ubiquitous in contemporary architectural practice.
The ability to generate construction information directly from design
information has fundamentally changed the relationship between conception
and production. The discourse around computer-based design and fabrication
tools in architecture is more developed than in other disciplines. It is the job of
an architect to be able to specify and communicate the description of a structure
that does not yet exist to multitudes of other trades. Construction drawings and
models are an integral part of this.
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