Digital architecture is the new breath of the digital age of mankind. It is radically different from other styles (Baroque, Classicism, Empire style, postmodernism, minimalism, Gothic) not only with its external parameters, but also with its internal constructions. You can get acquainted with this direction closer by reading this article.
general characteristics
The term "digital architecture" itself was first used in the early nineties. During these years, there was a constant search for new opportunities for self-expression and methods of shaping. Focusing on the development of science and technology, architects focused on computer technology. Digital in translation from English means digital, which, in fact, explains the name.
Here, no one focuses on aesthetic preferences. In this case, everything determines the functionality of the buildings, their environmental friendliness and dynamism. The latter, moreover, accurately characterizes the promise of digital architecture.
Causes of occurrence
The information era dates back to the mid-twentieth century. In the fifties, computational methods and computers influenced the development of architecture, but did not fundamentally change traditional methods. The digital stage of human development (in the translation digital - digital, electronic or computer) started in the late 1990s, when the technological revolution began.
Due to significant differences with already established opinions about architecture as a whole, two main problems arise along the path of the parametric direction:
- The need to rethink the fundamental principles of shaping.
- The need for revising the objects of transformation of architecture, i.e., the space of human habitation.
Modern architects must take into account the requirements of technology and the lightning-fast fusion of the virtual and real worlds. Here we are not talking about architecture itself, but about the reality of man and his culture. And the twenty-first century is directly connected with electronic, informational and post-informational culture.
Features
Digital architecture is based on the use of computer modeling, programming and visualization techniques to create both virtual and physical structures. The basis for the creation is a set of numbers, which is stored in an electromagnetic format. They are used to form demonstrations corresponding to material parameters.
The non-linear type combines the concepts of parametrism, organics, electronic baroque, etc. They refer to complex-ordered systems, analogues of which are clearly traced in the natural environment.
The main features of digital architecture:
- denial of fragments and symmetry;
- ephemeral integrity in the use of textures, textures and technologies;
- exit from the Cartesian coordinate system;
- nonlinearity - the effect of unevenness and destabilization;
- variety of conditions;
- amorphous forms;
- dynamics;
- randomness.
It is worth noting the transition from the usual “lattice” to new “fractals”. The lattice for a very long time limited the possibility of structural experiments and compensated for this by facilitating the use of mathematical methods. “Fractals” are complex structures that provide for the repetition of the spatial form at any scale.
Methodology
New designing methods are used in digital architecture. Among them are the following:
- combinatorial modeling - involves the use of parameters of model details and their relationships;
- scenario modeling method - based on various code manipulations;
- morphing - transformation with interpolation of extreme forms;
- topological morphogenesis - continuous deformation and invariability of forms;
- prototype modeling of the architectural form - creation on the basis of phytomorphic, anthropomorphic or other analogues;
- plasticism - modeling of transformations of a form with physical properties (air or liquid);
- adaptive systems - kinetic, interactive and informative shell.
Using modern computer technologies, modernized equipment and related materials, design boundaries have been expanded and a new strategy for interaction between the manufacturer and the consumer has been formed.
Famous Architects
Architects in digital architecture are freed from the symmetry of forms and can fully embody unrealistic designs. The most influential personalities in the development of the described direction:
- Patrick Schumacher. He introduced the term “parametrism” and connected it with the concept of “heuristic”. He believes that in the near future, all architectural developments will be distinguished by an organic character: all forms smoothly flow into each other and create a single harmonious urban planning ensemble.
- Peter Eisenman He founded the Institute for the Study of Architecture and Urban Planning. He switched from deconstructivism to a nonlinear version and was inspired by the theory of fractals after the famous exhibition on Deconstructive architecture in the New York Museum of Modern Art.
- Frank Gehry. His compositions are arbitrary, but many see this as decaying volumes, rough surfaces and broken traditional architectural elements.
But only one name is associated with digital architecture - Zaha Hadid.
Zaha Hadid
This woman entered the list of successful people and influential architects. Rem Koolhaas (a famous Dutch architect) noticed the talent of a young lady in her student years, and after graduating from an architectural school, the young lady began working with the OMA architectural bureau. I worked here for three years.
In 1980, Hadid created his own architectural bureau. For decades, many customers rejected her projects because of the impossibility of implementation and even because of subjective rejection.
Implemented Projects Hadid
The first erected digital building according to the drawings of Zaha - a firehouse for the furniture company Vitra. The design resembles a bomber, and the visor wings are similar to the Soviet avant-garde pavilions.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge is a symbol of modernity and prosperity of the UAE. Its design was developed by Zaha under the vivid impressions of the sand dunes. The structure is very durable and able to withstand sharp gusts of wind at a speed of more than 100 km / h.
In the box of successfully completed architect projects there are:
- Rosenthal Contemporary Art Center in Cincinnati.
- The new wing of the Odrupgaard Museum of Art in Strasbourg.
- The central building of the BMW factory in Leipzig.
- Hotel Puerta America (Madrid).
- Water Sports Center in London.
- Opera House in Gangzhou.
- Heydar Aliyev Center (Baku).
- Business Center "Peresvet Plaza" (Moscow).
The editors of The Guardian believe that it was Hadid who freed the geometry of architecture and gave it a new expressive identity. What can not but agree.
Building Examples
The examples of digital architecture impress with their inherent scale and versatility.
The most striking and memorable buildings (in addition to the previously mentioned), formed in the digital direction:
- Exhibition pavilion "Breloga" ("Seliger-2009").
- Museum of Rusnano.
- Parametric railing in Novosibirsk.
- Office building Media ICT.
- Kumu Art Museum.
Separately, it is worth noting the Google campus project, which dissolves in the environment, thanks to a plastic translucent shell, and transforms due to the provided structural features. Pavilion ICD and ITKE, which repeats the structure of the beetle exoskeleton.
The Telekom office building in Mustamäe was recognized as the best digital project in Tallinn in 2017.
Digital architecture in Russia does not translate into reality. Only a few Zakha projects and pavilions of educational and cultural structures are known. This is due to quite objective reasons.
Criticism
The main criteria against are:
- inefficient use of free space in the building;
- destruction of historical centers;
- lack of awareness of customers and workers;
- lack of readiness of manufacturers to change production technology;
- lack of adequate funding;
- difficulties in the production process.
Some also note the danger of construction work. A scandal erupted around the Al-Wakra stadium, designed by Zaha Hadid. The architect herself noted that the safety of the work does not depend on the design, but, first of all, on the construction company.
But, as professionals accurately point out, digital architecture is the future of mankind. What now seems ridiculous and strange will soon become mundane and necessary. Just like virtual reality, smartphones or fitness trackers.