Architecture as Inspired Machine

Abstract

Automata and robots have been traditionally fashioned after humans, demonstrating human activities or habits, but without the immaterial essence or substance that animates or inspires. While architecture obviously does not possess life, it can reflect the spirit of humans. As a form of passive thinking machine, architecture should demonstrate an understanding of the cosmos, and thus inform us about the current condition of the human spirit. Discussing historical and contemporary robots and automata will help us speculate on architects' attempt to infuse inspiration into their buildings and better understand the conception of architecture.