Architectonics of Crystal Space
The Mediating and Joining of Spatialities
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Date
2018
Publication Type
Doctoral Thesis
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yes
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Abstract
The basic research project addresses the question of how to implement and translate spatial concepts in crystal topologies and to link architecture with the abstract idea of mediating and joining of spatialities. The morphology of crystals as characteristic elements of space covers wide fields of disciplines. The ambition of the first part, the geometry of space, is to study space on the level of crystals, where all the different distinct agglomerations and the formation principle are brought together. Based on interdisciplinary explorations of crystal structures and their specific characteristics, spatial paradigms are examined and implemented in the algebraic framework of crystals.
The second part, the geometric mediation covers the mathematical concept of representing abstract, topological ideas. It is about the understanding that the geometry of three-dimensional objects is just a visual representation. The information of the spatiality lies in the algebraic structure of the crystals. Since the nature of crystals, and in particular quasicrystals, are difficult to describe by the accumulation of polyhedra, the algebraization of these processes is an essential step in decoupling the crystal space from any solid geometry. This makes it possible for crystals of different natures to communicate with each other. However, this abstract form of expression has no explicit body and must first be transformed into a mediative form (Gestalt). The information to derive a form is in the elements themselves, and it mainly depends on the articulation to render specific properties.
The crystal space is where the knowledge of the two parts provide the setup for the architectonic experiments. All the articulated thoughts and concepts epitomize different stages for these elements of spatialities to join concepts of space with the notion of topological crystals. It opens up a space of mediation and discourse, where many architectural ideas can be developed. Only by setting distinct elements absolutely can communication emerge between them. These mutual discussions are to be treated as crystallized sculptures. It is not just the form that gives the expression, but the process of crystallization and development within the structure that has a narrative potential.
This research is to provide a wide-ranging overview of how the topic of crystals can be embedded in architecture. The goal is not to resemble and mimic these emergent crystal arrangements. Neither it is intended to show how to translate such abstract ideas into geometry or to invent new shapes. However, through the purposive abstraction and translation of spatialities combined with the notion of crystals as a code like structure, it is possible to scrutinize the meaning of space. It is with this level of abstraction how space should be thought about today.
Crystals are characteristic elements of space, and they constitute spatialities. It is the demystification of crystals as taxonomies of architectonics. The code of crystals is the articulation of space. It represents an idea or process as much as an actual building or design. It is the principle of the code that already represents a structure, which provides a stage for spatial ideas in order to facilitate new architectonic articulations.
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Examiner : Hovestadt, Ludger
Examiner : Bühlmann, Vera
Examiner : Steurer, Walter
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ETH Zurich
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Subject
Architectonics; Crystal; Space; Spatialities; aperiodic crystals; aperiodic structures; Quasicrystal; quasiperiodic tiling; quasiperiodic structures; Algebra; Architecture; Mediation; Joints; Parametrization; Parametric modeling; Parametric design; Crystal growth; Crystal structure; Modularity; Modeling; Machine learning; QUANTUM THEORY; Dimension reduction; Dimensionality reduction; Dimensionality; 3D modeling; 3D Printing; ARRANGEMENTS; ARRANGEMENTS OF GEOMETRIC FIGURES (GEOMETRY); ALGEBRAIC SURFACES (ALGEBRAIC GEOMETRY); Topology; Structure; Geometry; Abstraction; Polyhedra; Polyhedral geometry; Polyhedral body; Polyhedral Model
Organisational unit
03563 - Hovestadt, Ludger / Hovestadt, Ludger