Techniques and Technologies in Morphogenetic Design

This issue of AD introduces a new approach to architectural practice based on the interrelationship of emergence and self–organisation concepts. A sequence to the successful Emergence: Morphogenetic Design Strategies title by the same guest–editors, it advances on the previous publication by taking on board the latest developments for fully integrated design evolution, manufacturing and construction.

Emergence requires the recognition of architectural structures not as singular and fixed bodies, but as complex energy and material systems that have a lifespan, exist as part of the environment of other active systems, and as an iteration of a series that proceeds by evolutionary development. Thus the focal point of this issue will be the exploration of techniques and technologies that enable the implementation of such morphogenetic strategies, requiring a new set of intellectual and practical skills. Though the publication stands alone as an investigation and presentation of cutting–edge techniques and technologies within the design and construction field supported by examples from adjacent industries, it also introduces a new springboard for understanding and rethinking the radical changes in which architecture is now being conceived, designed and produced. While representing a timely exploration of the embedding of techniques and technology in an alternative design approach, it also presents wholly new strategies for tackling issues of sustainability.

Introduction: Towards Self–O rganisational and Multiple– Performance Capacity in Architecture (Michael Hensel).

Computing Self–Organisation: Environmentally Sensitive Growth Modelling (Michael Hensel).

(Synthetic) Life Architectures: Ramifications and Potentials of a Literal Biological Paradigm for Architectural Design (Michael Hensel).

Self–Organisation and the Structural Dynamics of Plants (Michael Weinstock).

Self–Organisation and Material Constructions (Michael Weinstock).

Instrumental Geometry (Achim Menges).

Advanced Simulation in Design (Michael Weinstock + Nikolaos Stathopoulos).

D i f f e rentiation and Performance: Multi– Performance Architectures and Modulated Environments (Michael Hensel + Achim Menges).

Manufacturing Diversity (Achim Menges).

Polymorphism (Achim Menges).

Material and Digital Design Synthesis (Michael Hensel + Achim Menges).

Interior Eye: Plus, Plus Ça Change at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (Jayne Merkel).

Building Profile: Dirk Cove (Jeremy Melvin).

Home Run: Clarion Quay (Robert Payne).

Practice Profile: Metrogramma (Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi).

McLean s Nuggets (Will McLean).

Site Lines: Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne (Leon van Schaik).