Material Computation in Architectural Aggregate Systems

Abstract

Aggregates are defined as large amounts of elements being in loose contact. In architecture they are mainly known as an additive in concrete construction. Relatively few examples use aggregates in their unbound form as an architectural material system in their own right. The investigation of potential architectural applications however is both a very relevant and unexplored branch of design research. Loose granular systems are inherently different from other architectural construction systems. One of the most decisive distinctions lies in the way information on those granular architectural systems is being generated, processed, and integrated into the design process. Several mathematical methods have been developed to numerically model granular behaviour. However, the need and also the potential of using so-called ,material’ computation is specifically relevant with aggregates, as much of their behaviour is still not being described in these mathematical models. This paper will present the current outcome of a doctorate research on aggregate architectures with a focus on information processing in machine and material computation. In the first part, it will introduce definitions of material and machine computation. In the second part, the way machine computation is employed in modelling granulates will be introduced. The third part will review material computation in granular systems. In the last part, a concrete example of an architectural aggregate model will be explained with regard to the given definition of material computation. Conclusively a comparative overview between material and machine computation in aggregate architectures will be given and further areas of development will be outlined.