Simply Complicated

Gershenfeld vs. Kahn

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 22:27:32 -0600

Neil Gershenfeld (left) Louis Kahn (right)

Neil Gershenfeld and Louis Kahn have some very similar strong points in their articles. Gershenfeld talks almost entirely about the interactions and observations he has with students using the Personal Fabrication equipment. He does, however, explain some principles involved as well. The point that resonated with me the most is the fact that because these high-tech machines are able to fabricate these objects, they also have the capability to disassemble or destroy them in the same manor that they were put together. I find it very logical that this is possible, but I wonder how well the machine can actually disassemble the materials; if it is only able to bring them back to their original molecular makeup, or if it can actually bring them back to their original shape and size as well. I think his experimental class is a phenomenal idea and it has incredible potential in the near future.

Louis Kahn, amongst other things, resonates a point along the lines of Gershenfeld. He says that the brain is the humans’ machine, and that nature made it, and can therefore destroy it. He also goes as far to say that inside everything created by nature, is the “record�? or plans as to how it was created; making is easy for nature to destroy it. I think it is very interesting that Kahn says that humans know all the laws of nature subconsciously, but don’t have an instrument advanced enough to understand and/or use them. These two reading are written more than 30 years apart, but still have similar messages which are very evident: what is created can very easily be destroyed in the same manor that it was created. These are perfect examples of how relevant older readings still are today, in our high-tech world.

The Technopoly of War and Military Intelligence

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 21:31:42 -0600

Technopolies are world views established by technology. To me, the most prevalent technopoly is the worldwide view on war and military technology. Through the years, countries have become what they are today due to how well their military is developed technologically. Technopolies in war have been evident throughout history. A few good examples in our history would be World War I and World War II, the Vietnam War, and now the War in Iraq.

Before World War I, there really wasn’t much more to war than guns and cannons. World War I brought new technology, especially in the way that soldiers engaged their enemies. This was the start of trench warfare and because of that, chemical warfare was developed. The chemical warfare created so much damage to the nervous system and was so cruel that it was essentially outlawed in warfare. Another result of this war was the creation of the League of Nations. This was a feeble attempt at creating an organization as powerful as the United Nations, and it was unsuccessful.

In World War II brought machine guns and tanks into the playing field and in turn the basic tactics of war were changed. Instead of charging enemy lines, they now had to use more explosives to overcome the tanks and machine guns. This war lasted so long and had many financial and physical effects on the countries involved. Germany was ridiculed so much for this war and had a ban placed on any type of military bigger than necessary for self-defense. The United Nations was also created to help keep world peace. Even today a good portion of the world belongs to the U.N.

The Vietnam War is definitely a good example of world views established by technology. The Vietnam War was very gruesome and had much opposition, especially through the American public. This was a very anti-war time in our history, and the war helped to make a stronger argument for those who opposed the war. Anti-war protests were held nationwide and even worldwide. One of the most famous anti-war protests was the Vietnamese monks, who opposed the war so much they tolerated burning to death.

Another great example of technology influencing world views is the current War on Iraq. This war has gained much scrutiny from a majority of the world. Our superior (but possibly faulty) military intelligence led officials to think that Iraq had possession of weapons of mass destruction, causing us to invade Iraq in search of them. Still years after our invasion, no weapons have been discovered and the U.S. has been criticized a countless number of times by many of the worlds more superior leaders.

War advancements and military technology are one of the more prevalent forms of technopolies in our world today. History has proved this time and time again in World War I and II, the Vietnam War, and the current War on Iraq.

The Mathematics of Design

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 19:57:07 -0600

When I think of design and mathematics, the first topic that comes to mind is geometry. All of design revolves around geometry whether it is with shapes or angles; geometry is the basis of mathematical architecture. Bridges are built purely on physics and the physics of geometry. It is very evident in many situations that geometry is present in the structure of a bridge.

This first bridge is designed mostly of triangles and quadrilaterals. They are essential to its structure, and help the bridge have character. The bridge in the foreground is a better example of the quadrilateral structure built within the triangular structure; however, the bridge in the background is a near perfect example of triangular structure.

This bridge also has an even stronger triangular for to it. The tension in the suspension cables is tight enough to create the illusion of hundreds of perfect triangles.

This last bridge is a draw bridge, and instead of triangular forms, it is made of mostly rectangles. The movable deck and the support both have distinct rectangular components to them. If you look closely at the underside of the movable deck, it is evident that triangles and squares also help with the not-so-visible part of the structure as well.

Mathematics really is a basic building block of architecture and design. Each of these bridges prove that geometry is evident in everyday structures. Geometry may be a very simple and basic example of mathematics in design, but it is definitely one of the more prevalent principles.

Oppositions and Resolution

Tue, 24 Oct 2006 20:28:08 -0600

Oppositions are not uncommon in our world. They are everywhere, some are obvious and some are not. As we learned in lecture, some simple obvious oppositions are seen everyday, a major one being the opposition of precipitation, a byproduct of the opposition of climate. The best resolution to the opposition of precipitation in a rainy or snowy climate would be slanted roofs and gutters, like the ones that are part of nearly every house in this particular climate.

There are more hidden oppositions than rain and snow however. For example, in the near future, the opposition of material and tools will most likely have more advances tools, causing more problems. In the near future, many think that we will be able to teleport things. This could be a bad thing in many ways; one being that it would cause more scheduling problems in our already packed lives. With relatively little transportation time, we will think that every waking moment needs to be occupied by one activity or another. People would most likely overwork themselves and our life expectancy could suffer because of this. In many cases, teleportation could be very helpful, but eliminating the opposition could prevent many bad things from happening.

The Phenomenon of Buoyancy

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 20:54:14 -0600

Buoyancy is an interesting concept that can be difficult to comprehend. It makes sense that objects such as bobbers and balloons float because they are relatively small and are made out of materials that aren't heavy. But on the other hand, when you think of how a large ship like an aircraft carrier or a cruise ship floats, it's difficult to understand. These ships are made out of thousands of tons of steel and glass, both objects that sink normally, but yet they float with such ease. Most of this is due to the density and shape of the ship. The ship actually isn't as dense as it looks because it is filled with mostly air, like a bobber, and the large surface area displaces enough water to help the ship to float.

Buoyancy can be described as a thing, a framework, a clockwork, and a phenomenon. The fact that buoyancy can be compared between multiple objects makes it a thing. In this case, it is easy to compare the buoyancy of a bobber and a balloon, they are about equal. There are many attributes that make up buoyancy including density and surface area. Without these physical concepts, buoyancy wouldn't exist. This is evidence that buoyancy is also a framework. Finally, buoyancy is something that can be predicted, making it a clockwork. With a simple calculation, one can discover whether an object will float or sink. A phenomenon is made up of things, frameworks, and clockworks. Because buoyancy has all three of these characteristics, it is a phenomenon.

Genius Loci

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 01:26:45 -0600

This particular meaningful place doesn't boast the most fancy or elegant surroundings, it isn't the most spacious place, and isn't very attractive to most other people. It is a 30 square foot place in the unfinished part of my basement, between a cinderblock wall, an old bookshelf, and a freezer chest. Above this special place is a shelf full of food and below it an old carpet square. None the less, this place, which is home to my drum set, has an immense amount of meaning to me.

I have been playing the drums as long as I can remember, and have spent countless hours passing the time in this unique place. The most meaningful part of this small place is connecting with music that drives my life. I am almost always listening to music, and can truly connect with it here in the basement of my home.

Genius Loci can be very difficult to comprehend and to describe. To me, Genius Loci is the spirit that accompanies everything throughout its lifetime. My drum set’s spirit is unique because it has the ability to change environments instantly. The drum set’s environment has a somewhat dingy look at first glance, but the mood is brightened immediately with the playing of the drums. This spirit also tends to be a problem solver. It has the ability to take all of them away from me, if even for only a short time I spend playing the drums, making them very comforting in that sense. Some may perceive the drums as a loud annoying instrument that doesn't require much skill to play but couldn't be more wrong. The drums are extremely complex and can amplify your mood. The rhythm that drums create is the heart and soul of music.

Social-Design Issues

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 01:30:35 -0600

A social-design issue is an issue in which something may have an impact on the way in which people live their everyday lives. There is one very basic social design issue that I deal with multiple times each day. I currently reside in Territorial Hall, which has only one entrance and exit that can be used on a regular basis; it has many fire exits that are not to be used unless an emergency occurs. This is a problem because 700+ students live in this building and often times it is inconvenient to leave or enter through the only the main doors, especially if you live in one of the extremities of the building or on a different floor than the main lobby. This problem could be very easily fixed by adding an additional exit or two at the north and south ends of the building, and not necessarily on the same floor as the lobby. Many other halls in the Superblock have multiple entrances and they don't seem to have any more problems than Territorial. The solution to this problem is simple, and would help out hundreds of college students.

Midtown Global Market: Many Tastes, One Place

Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:46:59 -0600

The Midtown Global Market on East Lake St. is certainly one of a kind. Entering the building, one can encounter half a dozen different cultures all in one place. There are definite Hispanic, Latin American, Asian, and African presences there. It is accessible to nearly everyone, being near a bus stop, not far from the Hiawatha Light Rail, and certainly not a lengthy drive by car. Some of the shops, particularly Holy Land, accepts food stamps for the less fortunate citizens in the area, while just a couple shops down there is an Asian restaurant that charges just under $10 for a meal. The bright atmosphere makes it very welcoming for all along with its moderness. It isn't out of the question to assume that there must have been at least a dozen different ethnic backgrounds represented between the numerous shoppers and customers.

Energy is defined by Webster as "a fundamental entity of nature that is transferred between parts of a system in the production of physical change within the system and usually regarded as the capacity for doing work." To me, this means that energy is something that can be transferred from one object to another. We are taught that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred. I believe this very much especially because it seems logical to me.

The Midtown Global Market has a thriving atmosphere with plenty of room for growth and development. The energy that fills the building is vibrant and constant. One can see the energy transfer in the employees cooking food, the customers eating the food, and in the interactions between the customers and employees. There is a plaza area near the center of the building that has the feel of an outdoor patio. A trio of musicians was playing on a small stage, playing familiar songs to the listening crowd. This is another example of energy transfer. It is evident that the musicians were transferring their energy to the crowd of listeners by simply playing their music. The environment appears so simple to the untrained eye even though it really is extremely complicated. Energy is constantly being transferred in everything we do; the Midtown Global Market is just a single example of the energy all around us in action.