Writings by Louis Kahn in "Silence and Light" and Neil Gershenfeld's "Fab" present two intriguing points: Nature is its own computer, storing and transforming information. Nature shares this technology with man, giving man their Mind and Brain to build computers of their own, storing information which becomes ordered, yet more complex.
Technopolis, as I understand it, is the creation of things in the world that were built by humans for the bettering of humans. The creations come into existence by human thoughts, knowledge, experiences, and desires. Nature, on the other hand, consists of creations that human beings are trying desperately to understand. Although the two, human beings and nature, seem somewhat separate entities, they really feed off one another. Man could not exist without nature, although unfortunately, nature has and could again exist without humans. This is perhaps why humans are so keen to learn from nature to better understand how the two can coexist.
The Pantheon is one of the most pure examples of mathematics being utilized in design. Most profound are its use of geometry.
Continue reading "MATHEMATICS, AT THE CORE OF EVERY DESIGN" »
Growing up in Minnesota most my life, I have unconsciously accepted the fact that mother nature can be brutal. Extreme cold temperatures mid-winter and hot sticky summer days complete the yearly cycle of four seasons. Of course, you can't forget the occasional tornado that pops up now and again. More often than not, this varying climate elicites many aggravated responses from those who must endure its treachery. It's not unheard of to run the air conditioner one week and crank the heater up the next. But is this really the best response to such a strong opposition between our climate and the enclosures we occupy? Maybe not.
Continue reading "UNDERGROUND: NO LONGER A NEGATIVE CONOTATION" »
Hair is a thing with frameworks and clockworks that make up a phenomena. What kind of phenomena? Well, lets take a look at what makes up the system first so we can get a better understanding what makes up the phenomena.
Hidden in the heart of Plymouth, Minnesota, the Millenium Garden is a treat for the senses. Whether you go alone or with a friend, the tranquility of the garden erases the anxiety of everyday life and brings one back into touch with nature and one's inner self.
The Light Rail of the Twin Cities Metro area currently extends from the Mall of America to downtown Minneapolis. As a sort of "trial" for the new mode of transportation in Minnesota, the present location is successful because it covers high traffic areas, such as the Minneapolis/St. Paul Internation Airport, Metrodome, and the Nicollet Mall. Unfortunately, a bigger social problem resides in the design of the transportation system in the Twin Cities Metro area.
Continue reading "Take a stand, cause I'm sure tired of sitting!" »
The Midtown Global Market, located on Lake Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is overflowing with energy of various sorts. In general, energy could be described as being active. Being full of energy would indicate a high level of activitiy. At the Midtown Global Market, energy is present and active in many different forms.