“Cybernetics and Society” – Norbert Wiener

In the essay “Cybernetics and Society”, Norbert Wiener closely studies “messages” as a means of controlling machinery and society. He suggests that communication and control should be classed together and that the theory of control is a “chapter” in the theory of messages. In order to describes this complex of ideas, Wiener coined the term “Cybernetics” which directly translates to “Steersman” or “Governor”. His purpose in doing so was to develop techniques that would attack the “problem” of control and communication between not only man but machine as well. He states that communicating a message to somebody is similar to controlling the actions of another. In both actions, a message is sent, the only difference is that when one is controlling somebody else, an action is expected of them after the message is sent.  This statement is also true for machines. The difference before the age of computers was that machines were “dumb”. Wiener uses the example of the music box. The messages and control in that system are localized and do not present themselves to the outside world. Humans and animals, however, respond to messages. The music box is acting in a “pre-arranged” manner whereas humans and animals act in a “contingent” manner. Wiener points out that modern automatic machines possess “sense organs” similar to those of humans. These sense organs are used as receptors for the outside world to communicate with. The control of a machine, however, is based on actual performance rather than expected performance.

In this essay, I found it interesting how Wiener used militaristic examples in his theorizing of communication and control. It makes sense since the essay was written within a decade of World War II and major technological achievements were spawning from the wartime effort. It is also interesting that he used examples of major theoretical physicists, like Albert Einstein, to explain what it means to communicate and control. The ideas that Einstein came up with were radical at the time and Wiener tried to make sense of his theories by suggesting that Einstein’s theory of relativity is directly linked to the idea of sending a message. It could also be viewed as a means of control. By this I mean controlling the laws of nature in a way that makes sense to human beings. Wiener also suggests that as we move forward, the physical function of the living individual and the operation of new communication machines will work hand in hand to control disorder, or entropy.

“The Architectural Relevance of Cybernetics” – Gordon Pask

In the essay “The Architectural Relevance of Cybernetics”, Gordon Pask studies Architectural metalanguages of new and old and describes how they relate to the metalanguage of cybernetics. He states that architects, who are primarily systems designers, are being forced to take interest in organizational properties of development.  This differs from that of the “pure” architecture of the 1800’s in that new architecture has not yet developed a metalanguage. Instead, it has sub theories of metalanguage. Pask describes how new architecture consists of “Architectural Mutualism”  between structures and men, or society. In response, design is now focused on form and architects need to design dynamic architecture. New architecture, along with pure architecture both celebrate buildings as a work of art. Pask states that Gaudi’s architecture (most specifically Park Guell), are some of the most “cybernetic” structures in existence. He states that this is due to the fact that your exploration of the park is guided by “specially contrived feedback” and that variety is introduced at appropriate points to make you explore. This relates back to Norbert Wiener’s original theory of cybernetics and communication and control. Gaudi is communicating to the inhabitants of his structure and is also controlling them using variety. Gaudi’s work, however, contrasted with functionalism. Its only function was to satisfy the symbolic and informational needs of man.  Cybernetics, like “pure” architecture provides a metalanguage for discussion. Pure architecture, however, was descriptive and prescriptive but lacked in its ability to predict or explain. Cybernetics can be used to do just that.

“Designing Freedom” – Stafford Beer

In the essay “Designing Freedeom”, Stafford Beer suggests that cybernetic laws are universal. He describes the concepts of variety, which he uses throughout the rest of his essay. Ashby’s Law, which states “only variety can absorb variety” is complimented by the depiction of a department store in which it is shown just how variety can absorb variety. If the variety in a store is less than what people are accustomed to, the store will lose service. If the variety of the store is more than that of custom, then it becomes unprofitable. Beer also goes on to explain how the citizens of Chile attempted to pull down the government because of lack of variety. He states that the “rich world would not allow a poor country to use its freedom to design its freedom” and that it cut off the variety that Chile needed to succeed.