Emergence: Morphogenetic Design Strategies

Postagriculture project

Proliferation of the surface component by parametric changes of the orientation, distribution, density and differential reinforcement of the seams, the depth and the internal pressure of the ‘pneus’, and the type and treatment of the surface material.

Morpho-Ecologies: Approaching Complex Environments

The differentiation of material systems offers the possibility to develop an architectural approach that integrates ecological, topological and structural performances. Achim Menges presents two generative design strategies for differentiated structural systems approaching complex environments. They are explained alongside two of his projects – one derived from component proliferation and another derived from local manipulations of a larger global system.

Dense urban conglomerations have accelerated the effects of social, economic and environmental processes on the human environment. The increasing complexity of space-use cycles and material life cycles requires an understanding¹ of the built environment as ecological, topological and structural provisions that facilitate human activities.

Ecology refers to all the relationships between human groups and their physical and social environments. Topology is introduced here as the connections between all the material elements in an environment. Structure refers to organisational capacities above and beyond load ...