Computational and conceptual blends: Material considerations and agency in a multi-material design workflow

作     者：Kostas Grigoriadis 

作者机构：Bartlett School of ArchitectureUniversity College LondonLondon WC1H 0QBUK 

出 版 物：《Frontiers of Architectural Research》 (建筑学研究前沿（英文版）)

年 卷 期：2022年第11卷第4期

页      面：618-629页

核心收录：

学科分类：08[工学] 0805[工学-材料科学与工程（可授工学、理学学位）] 080502[工学-材料学] 0813[工学-建筑学] 

主　　题：Digital design Multi-materials Computer simulation Material agency Materially anchored conceptual blends 

摘      要：The assimilation of functionally graded (or multi-) materials into architecture is deemed to enable the rethinking of current architectural design practice and bring back material considerations at the heart of the early design process. In response, the paper outlines a functionally graded material (FGM) design workflow that departs from standard early-stage CAD, which is typically performed via computer elements devoid of materiality. It then analyses this workflow from a theoretical perspective, namely through Edwin Hutchins’ materially anchored conceptual blending, Lambros Malafouris’ Material Engagement Theory (MET) and John Searle’s concepts of intentionality. The aim is to demonstrate that due to the superimposition of material considerations that precede and succeed the CAD operation, working with material-less entities during early-stage FGM design is not logically sustainable. Additionally, multi-materiality allows for the questioning of authorship in the design process and leads to a repositioning of agency from the subject to the locus of engagement with digital materials and their affordances.