PAPER 2

Choose one of the following topics to develop a paper of 1500 words. Your paper should build an argument using direct quotations from the texts and your explanations of them. Other references than those covered in class will be required. All of these should be properly noted through endnotes titled “References”.

1)      One of the unique properties of digital technologies is interactivity. Using both Licklider’s speculations for human computer interaction in “Man-Computer Symbiosis” and Dubberly, Pangaro and Haque’s “What is interaction? Are there different types”, speculate on ways in which these can be applied to architecture and architectural design. You should use examples of current or future interactive technologies to support your argument.

2)      Malcolm McCullough in Digital Ground- Architecture, Pervasive Computing and Environmental Knowing lays out a “typology” of situated interactions as a way to tie architectural space with the digital technologies used to augment communication and experience within it. Using Rafael Moneo’s explanation of “typology” and its use in architecture, speculate on which might be precedents for the way McCullough uses the term. In addition, argue whether you think any of his types are useful and propose two others that you would add to the group.

3)       Both W. Ross Ashby in “Principles of the Self-Organizing System” and Manual DeLanda in “Nonorganic Life” discuss the concept of self-organization. Where Ashby explains it from a cybernetics perspective, De Landa discusses it through dissipative systems. Using examples from both articles develop an argument on the similarities and difference between the two approaches.

4)      Myron Krueger in “Responsive Environments” proposes that “response” should be considered a medium. He asks artists to focus on the “relations” between viewer and environment rather than on the content of the interactive work.  Likewise Burnham in “System Esthetics” speculates on a then (1968) emerging art form where material, energy and information become the media of expression. Explain in detail what the two different approaches mean. Follow that with a speculation on its significance for architectural design.

DUE: Thursday, November 10th by 5pm. Word document emailed to me (omarkhan@buffalo.edu).