CONDITIONALITY OF NOTION “COMPLEXITY” IN TERMINOLOGY OF CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURAL FORM-GENERATION

Abstract

Problem statement. As a starting point, the article takes the need for constant revision of basic architectural categories and notions, caused by events associated with the emergence in the 1990s − digital non-linear architecture. As the culmination of the postmodern period, digital architecture continues to enrich its paradigm with a focus on complexity of architectural forms. However, based on the current complexity sciences achievements, digital architecture takes complexity with understanding not encountered previously in architectural design theory. The equivocality of notion definition of «complexity» is accepted as a research problem. The purpose of the article. The purpose of the research is to define notion of «complexity» in the context of contemporary architectural form-generation. Methods. The method of semantic analysis was chosen as the main one. Conclusion. The relationship between the notions of form and complexity is revealed, based on a historical analysis of the notion definitions of «form». The term definition of «architectural form» is given through the connection of form and content, that reviles the key aspects of contemporary architectural form content. Changes in the content of notion definitions of «complexity» are analyzed from the design methodology standpoint and general scientific methods. The meaning of complexity is revealed at three levels of form perception: morphological, symbolic and phenomenological levels. The conditionality of necessity and emergence causes of complexity in contemporary architectural forms as a result of changes in the society value orientations is considered. Examples of the gradual implementation of principles and the influence of complexity science upon the architecture theory are given. Taking into account the considered features of complexity understanding and ideas about complex objects taken from complexity theories, a notion definition that does not cause difficulties in application of «complexity» is formulated. Conclusions with nuances of application and characteristics of the obtained definition are given. The possibilities for the further implementation of relevant systemic ideas about city and urban environment that capable to introduce architecture to a new scientific world picture are determined.