#mariocarpo

[fatzrh]

#during the #4thsession we #discussed the #topic of #bigdata #through the #lens of #mariocarpo’s #thestyleofbigdata #FAT #forumforarchitecturetheory (at Tanzhaus Zürich)

[debplo]

BREAKING NEWS: CUSTOM SUITS FIT ALL AT LOCAL MACYS

L’alphabet et l’algorithme, par Mario Carpo

Carpo’s text argues that the future of design and building lies at the intersection of tech, construction, and design in what is called “nonstandard series”. The idea is that finally, we can have the kind of customization of hand-craftsmanship and the efficiency and measure of machines (aka computers). To highlight math and design once more, this is where, as Carpo says, “Algorithms, software, hardware, and digital manufacturing are the new standards” in order to make the duality happen. 

The implications of this are too broad to cover here, but suffice it to say that the big idea of mass-customization is something that can be applied anywhere from architecture (social housing, anyone?), structures, parts and components, and soft goods like furniture and t-shirts, for example. Where mass-customization and nonstandard series really shine is for things that share components but also are really unique - and in architecture this is the case when you have, say, a house with four pillars and a roof, but one site is located on a cliff, and the other is partially underground. With the introduction of complex variables such as these, simple Euclidean geometries may not be sufficient.

At the very least, what the text made this writer imagine offhand was a new standard in LEED certification - one that proposes more human intelligence, engineering-heavy design that uses the least amount of material for the most amount of impact, saving lots of resources in the process. In effect, it’s a physical and mental cut-sheet, the idea of borders on the resources you have available to you, and working the design to use them most effectively. The thinking can be applied to things that are even “non-engineered” currently but still play a role in nonstandard series - angle of sun, amount of light, etc. so mass-customize windows and shades to accommodate for your particular site. We can already see the potential...builder homes currently follow a cookie-cutter layout and design with certain variable features. Also auto-makers seem to have this concept down as well. Still traditional in its execution...it’s still only surface-level customization.

The main takeaway is that the ideas Mario Carpo presents have both capitalistic and socialistic implications - you have businesses and customers who are looking for customization on the cheap (provides value for both parties), as well as an authentic response to unique constraints and user needs. These are not negatives. Currently we have either widespread mass production or prohibitive, full customization. 

As we quickly approach the future of design, perhaps we can have our semi-customized cake and eat it too.