Geometric Speciation Processes of dynamic adaptation UC Berkeley Department of Architecture < 209X < Spring Semester 2006 < Georgina Huljich Consultant: Andrew Volckens

spe·ci·a·tion (sp sh - sh n, -s -) n. The evolutionary formation of new biological species, usually by the division of a single species into two or more genetically distinct ones.

Introduction The seminar departs from the belief that architecture is in itself, beyond many other things, an actual form of knowledge, and that this knowledge, far from being autonomous is disciplinary specific. If the role of the architect is not exclusively building one's ideas but rather to ‘specify’ the information and techniques for those ideas to be communicated, understood and eventually constructed by others, the speciation of this data constitutes in its entirety a potential form of spatial narrative. Furthermore, in looking at complex intricate forms enabled partially by the digital medium and its generative and analytical capacity, one can notice an increasing sophistication in the utilization of descriptive mechanisms that deserves close examination.

Geometric Speciation Processes of dynamic adaptation UC Berkeley Department of Architecture < 209X < Spring Semester 2006 < Georgina Huljich Consultant: Andrew Volckens

Specifically, and by means of analytical descriptions [complex behavior, structural constitution, etc] of the human body as a circuitry of integrated systems operating in a cohesive manner, the seminar will focus on constructing a dynamic and ‘adaptive’ narrative throughout a multi-dimensional geometric unfolding and transformation of its anatomy. Structure The course will use as a case study each participant’s body as the device to develop this ‘adaptive’ narrative exploring its intrinsic geometric, organizational and material properties. Through its unfolding along the 4 dimensions of representation (1D/2D/3D and 4D) students will explore the transformative qualities of the object directly related to a sophisticated set of techniques for its speciation. These techniques will directly depend on the use of several pieces of software / fabrication technologies to determine the level of specificity of these transformations and their consequently sequence of events. Suggested tools: 1D < Maya / Rhino / AutoCad / Illustrator 2D < Rhino / AutoCad / Illustrator / Laser Cutter 3D < Maya / Rhino / Illustrator / 3D printer 4D < Maya / After Effects There will be weekly software tutorials during the first half of the semester to introduce / strengthen the knowledge of these digital tools (to be scheduled). Methodology The first part of the semester will involve an initial scanning / mapping of the body by each group and the development of a complex mechanism of measurement with the purpose of generating a basic matrix/stratum of data which will subsequently be unfolded and transformed. After reducing the area of operation and sophisticating the methods of describing and documenting these maps, students will be required to bring this information to a 3D realm through a thorough analysis of its intervening systems. By testing its performance and volumetric capabilities through means of digital fabrication these models will be affected by a process of geometric speciation through constraints based on evolution, adaptability and performance. During this process, the utilization of animation techniques will be introduced. As a mean of formalizing this modus operandi, there will be a basic development of some post production techniques using Maya and After Effects to combine and edit all these sets of information. With the intention of unfolding back this new species into its multidimensional forms_while still occurring a certain degree of transformational operations_the final product will consist on an installation of a large scale series of composite and analytical drawings, digital projections and small physical models produced during the process, building a coherent narrative of geometric speciation.

Geometric Speciation Processes of dynamic adaptation UC Berkeley Department of Architecture < 209X < Spring Semester 2006 < Georgina Huljich Consultant: Andrew Volckens

Course Requirements / Grading Students will be graded upon and required to generate composite drawings and animations as well as fabricate study models; and ultimately by the quality of the installation produced for the final review. The primary medium for pin-ups, mid and final reviews will be large scale digitally generated drawings and/or animated clips and study models depending on the stage of the process, where students will be evaluated on their ability to acquire, process and transform data in a creative and innovative way. Working groups (of 2 people) will be strongly encouraged so as to divide areas of expertise but also promote a fluid exchange of ideas as well as sharing costs of printing / digital fabrication. The course will be supplemented by the regularly scheduled software tutorials as well consultation hours (off class time) where different questions can be addressed. While the course does not require a strong background in computing this is highly encouraged as this seminar will be further focused on the development of a set of digital techniques rather than the mere tools that generate them.

Geometric Speciation Processes of dynamic adaptation UC Berkeley Department of Architecture < 209X < Spring Semester 2006 < Georgina Huljich Consultant: Andrew Volckens

3D / 2D < Scanning the Body CLASS_01 < 01-19 Course Pre-Introduction (by Raveevarn) DUE < CLASS_03 < 02-02

However, in all these cases the body has been used as either a ‘mold’, which provides the possibility of generating a new object that adapts to it, or has just been involved in the simulation of a new digital environment. We will reduce the notion of body scanning to the one of self description and documentation by developing a precise measurement system at a surface level (skin) by employing mechanisms of descriptive geometry. The human body is an organism divided internally into differentiated and interpenetrating strata that slip from outside to inside in a continuous way, being the skin the surface of maximum interface and intensity, a space of flux, of oscillating energies.

1

With the highest degree of accuracy you will develop a strategy for dimensioning its formal, structural, performative and material qualities as well as documenting every phase of the process of re-presentation from its three-dimensional physical condition onto a two-dimensional territory. Representing 3D objects on two dimensional surfaces has been a concern for artists through the centuries, and the concept of simultaneously experience all views of an object at once was a major theme of the Cubists and Futurists.

2 How do we represent complex

multidimensional spatial and temporal information on a flat surface?. By looking at the underlying geometry of the body (knots, topological surfaces, seems, contours, etc) we will begin to explore different possibilities for this translation.

1 Refiguring the Figure. Imaging the Body in Contemporary Art and Digital Media. Alicia Imperiale.

2 Mapping in the Age of Digital Media. Wiley Academy 2003_Unfolding Bodies

Digital body scanning is a new technology that within other things is helping to shift the focus of apparel production from large quantities of cookie-cutter clothes to one-of-a-kind articles with individualized sizing and design features. Some of the other applications for body scan data include the airline, automobile, and tractor industries which for instance have used scan data to develop seats that are optimized for the highest number of body types. The entertainment industry has used scans to develop animations, most recently of sports stars for video games. Health clubs have applied body scan technology to evaluate the effects of workout programs using "before" and "after" comparisons.

1

Geometric Speciation Processes of dynamic adaptation UC Berkeley Department of Architecture < 209X < Spring Semester 2006 < Georgina Huljich Consultant: Andrew Volckens

A 19th-century bodice-measuring device comprising several sections which could be adjusted to fit the figure. The strips could then be laid flat upon the materials to be cut. (Image: U.S. Patent no. 320,496, William Bloomer Pollock, 1885)

Pin Up Requirements < Due 01-26 -36”x36” sheet with initial studies @ scale 1 to 1 -Diagrams describing the logic of scanning and dimensioning -Any supplemental material that has been used in the process

Operational sequence < 1. In groups of two, select one of your own ‘bodies’ as the object of study, limiting the area of intervention to the thorax (see image). As a tailor’s mannequin, extend this area to its connection to the neck, arms and legs. 2. As Anthropometry is the study of measurement of humans, (used in anthropology for classification and comparison, and in apparel and equipment design for identifying size and shape variation in the population), investigate creative techniques for scanning and dimensioning the body @ scale 1 to 1 using descriptive geometry methods. Suggested techniques for Scanning and Measuring -Photography at various rotational angles + photomontage + dimensioning of unfolded surface -Plaster casting + slicing + dimensioning sections -Overlapping of grid system to generate points of reference for its dimensioning -Contour mapping through sectioning -Mapping through digital projections -Etc.