Hensel’s Vigorous Environments is centered on the
mobile relationship through space. He sees animation as a tool to understand the space-time
continuum and its relationship to design.
Similarly, design relies heavily on time influencing the environment. He suggests that modeling and other
mediums allow for an iterative design process, which strengthens the overall
concept. “Current
technology can provide the ubiquitous enabling infrastructure that can
facilitate real-time exchange
between subject and milieu, and yield a generative immersive field of material
and ambient effects.”
This idea
reminded me of a performance company, Diavolo, who uses movable structures as
an integral part of their performances.
Their concept of ‘architecture in motion’ relates to time impacting design. In this case, I see animation enhancing
the project and its concept, if ustilzing effectively. Here, motion is a fundamental element of the work and depicting it
through a time-based medium is essential.
Neil Spiller
argues that animations can hinder a project, as they are impersonal and used
incorrectly. Spiller states
that architects are too eager to use animation software, which leads to a
neglecting of a ‘rigorous approach to architectural space.’ I thought his analogy of books and film
lent itself perfectly to this discussion.
How often times do we say that a film created from a novel was better
than the original text? Almost never.
In the same capacity, film making software should be used sparsely or
very carefully in architecture.
Far too often do we see student animate models, when perspective
graphics would serve equally as well if not better.
Burry argues that animation should break the boundaries of
traditional filmmaking and question architectural and spatial perception. He cautions its use by reminding reader
of animation’s intended use for the film industry. Users should not rely on the software to generate design,
but use it as a medium to convey.
