Week 8 - Visualisation and the Image

The paradigm shift of design from analogue to digital has seen major advance in communicating design intents through digital renderings. Within Architecture, digital renderings have been utilized to communicate models and plans that are not built, showcasing the conceptualization of design and possibly to production. Eisenman states that this movement has "...allowed the projection... hence understanding of a three dimensional space in two dimensions" (Eisenman, P. 2013). Similarly, 3D models, in conjunction with renderings, has created opportunities to communicate design intent in a physical environment, allowing for physical interaction, critiques through real time perception.

Within todays Architecture practices, digital renderings are a major component in communicating design intents to clients and a way to represent conceptual ideas. "Man made artifacts could always be imitated by men" (Benjamin, W. 1936) Benjamin highlights the flaws of this approach where he states that "even the most perfect reporudction of a work of art is lacking on element: its presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be" (Benjamin, W. 1936). There is an important relationship between time and place to where the renderings are in relation to the physical environment. These iterations are described as "seductive and misleading" and is led by a persons unfolding perceptions. "The electronic paradigm which directs a powerful challenge to architecture because it defines reality in terms of media and simulation, it values appearance over existence, what can be seen over what is" (Eisenman, P. 2013).

Perez Gomes discusses and opens up to a more knowledgeable understanding of digital imagery and its concurrent relationship with Architecture. Where Gomez states that "Control is essential in our world: drawings, prints, models, photographs and computer graphics play diverse roles in the design process" (Perez, G. 2007).

References:

Eisenman, P. (2013). Architecture After the Age of Printing. AD reader: The digital turn in architecture 1992-2012. M. Carpo. Chichester, Wiley: 15-22.

Perez-Gomez, A. (2007). Questions of representation: the poetic origin of architecture. From models to drawings : imagination and representation in architecture. M. Frascari, J. Hale and B. Starkey. London ; New York, Routledge: 11-22.