New Relevancies Between Cultural Context and Spatial Discourse: An Evolution of Patterns through Methods, Models and Techniques

Abstract

This paper traces the evolution of patterns in architecture since early Modernism and links it to the socio-political and technological context of each period. The theme of patterns and its applications is a suitable one through which to rethink architecture’s values about making and living in relation to theories, ideals and priorities. A comparative examination of patterns further prompts revisiting concepts, notions, models and problematics of Twentieth-century architecture, this present time through a computational framing. In respect, this paper first draws upon systemic, structural, geometric and relational patterns developed since early Modernism; then, it delves into dynamic and adaptive patterns employed during late Modernism to respond to the emerging challenges of urban life. It is with the advent of computing that late Modernism’s aspirations have found a strong advocate by which to support complex pattern thinking, adding a cross-scientific perspective into architecture’s discourse.