WEEK 2 Writing task

Synopsis  (The digital turn in architecture 1992 - 2012, Le Corbusier’s, Architecture or revolution)

This weeks topic introduces the theory's and ideas behind the use of digital technologies in architecture. We primarily focus on the digital turn, where people start to take advantage of the technology of the time and use it to bring forth a new era of technical process. From an architectural stance, it is natural to see that as these new digital tools developed and changed the physical buildings would change with them. 

The revolutions of the digital turn mimic Le Corbusier’s acknowledgment of the advancement that concrete and iron brought to modern construction, labelling them as “the index to great power.” Both of these developments led, through an improvement in efficiency and an array of new mediums and specialised systems, to a better standard of living for all socioeconomic classes. With innumerable new possibilities these revolutions brought changes into the built environments of residents who benefited from the efficient, modern and more accessible constructions. 

New technologies made available at the digital turn allowed for the easy conceptualisation and manipulation of building designs. Particularly, “the general availability of cheap processing power allowed for manipulation of curved lines directly on the screen,” giving more flexibility into modern designing. This allowed for the simpler development of more natural looking and aesthetically pleasing constructions that could blend into the landscape on which they were built.

The benefits of a well designed environment made possible by the digital turn becomes more evident in our own society as we see more investment into innovative designs for houses and workspaces, proof that the value of a well-built environment is openly recognised. Even in our own university, we see an incredible effort to build collaborative, well designed learning spaces, as seen in the business study centre “The Place” and the new medical building opening this year.