Week 5 Question

Week Five Question:

how do you think Urban Informatics can be applied to architecture and your design process?

ANSWER:

I think that since the beginning of human life it has been in our nature to understand, "Things". In the lecture given by A/Prof Marcus Foth, he talks about Urban Informatics and in particular 'digital space'.

I found this notion of digital space taking over the need for physical space interesting, though I am not sure if i agree with it. VAN NOTE Chism Nancy, BICKFORD Deborah J. cites an article titled 'the importance of physical space in creating supportive learning environments: new directions for teaching and learning'.  Within this book several topics are brought up. The one i find most interesting is the way in which they explain a physical connection is important. If the notion of 'E.education' was taken to its limits and students learnt entirely from the comfort from their home, how do they learn general life skills such as; conversing with strangers, collaborating with peers and not to mention there physical wellbeing. I do not believe that there is "no need for architects or physical space', how ever i do believe that the Urban Informatics and digital social and general technology is useful in terms of design process and creating an engaging architectural piece. 

I do understand that conventional surveys and social media tolls is useful for understanding the views of the general public. This is what will impact the architectural design process. As for engaging users in the architecture itself. I believe this is a notion that I will take on board as something the professors lecture taught me. The picture bellow shows an image of a facade which can be digitally programmed to display media. I find this an engaging and interesting use of current technology. 

Bonus Question:

throughout the lecture James talks about a few common themes throughout the work. Please tell us what you think they are?

ANSWER:

I would like to start by saying that James's lecture kind of contradicts that of Prof Marcus Foth by saying things such as "Your work is inspired by were you are culture and the location" this is a notion that requires physical space. As for the themes  throughout the work i think they are the following;

- Nature; "Buildings that engage in the landscape around it".

- Context, (Culture); "understanding the culture and the way in which people will respond to your    architecture"

- Phenomenology; "engaging the senses through architecture is important"