Week 5

 “Morphogenesis and Emergence,”* by Michael Hensel starts by introducing the processes of morphogenesis and emergence. Summarised; morphogenesis represents developing and adapting, while emergence is derived from system theory. By looking at digital design as a whole its clear how these two mediums intertwine as digital technology mimics the concepts and practices of these theories. The authors of the essay though set out to make a distinction between the emergent properties in life and in computation and the gap between nature and mechanical productions. Examples of this is how digital modelling is now able to replicate even the most complex natural models such as soap bubbles and catenary ropes. These ideas are further explored in Patrick Schumachers essay where he theorise the next big style will be Parametricism which is heavily influenced by digital design practices. To elaborate Schumacher explains that Parametricism follows defining positive heuristics which consider all forms to be parametrically malleable; differentiate gradually and inflect correlate systematically. Schumacher emphasises this style using Zaha Hadid as an example, due to her buildings putting emphasis on progressive urbanised spaces and unique geometry. Along with the use of digital technology Hadid’s Buildings encapsulate the Parametric style. If you were to compare this to the themes in the “Morphogenesis and Emergence” essay the distinctions the authors were trying to make become evident. Using  Hadid's buildings as an example the use of computational design to create urbanised buildings where  interaction with daily life is taken into account to create a very ergonomically focused building.