TEXTS AND ARCHITECTURAL PHILISIOPHY

Postmodernism in the context of urban design plays an important role in the critique of the aftermath of modernism, which by the mid 1960’s had changed the urban fabric beyond recognition. During the era of modernism architects and town planners mainly concentrated on individual object buildings, without contemplating a context against which to read these objects. And so their object buildings floated in an endless modern open space. At this time Colin Rowe and Fred Koetter, of Collage City, claimed that, ‘the city of modern architecture has not yet been built. In spite of all the good will and good intentions of its protagonists, it has remained either a project or an abortion’ (Rowe, 1978, p. 2).

Within this past twenty years, or so, the industrialised western world has grown out of a model of virtual reality, whereby its sphere of influence has increased to engulf and influence the reality of today. This postmodern condition can be regarded as an alternative to a society of yesterday, whose structure and complexity were imperfect and flawed, where new technological innovations offer a better lifestyle and an amicable society (Poster, 1995a, p. 1). With the ‘telephone, radio, film, television, the computer and now their integration as ’multimedia’ reconfigure words, sounds and images’ (Poster, 1995, p. 1) into a reality far removed from a generation ago.

Poster, Mark, 1995, Postmodern Virtualities,
http://www.hnet.uci.edu/mposter/writings/internet.html (12th. December 2000), pp.1-9.

Rowe, Colin and Koetter, Fred, 1978, Collage City, MIT Press, Cambridge, M.A., p. 2.

CTRL, ALT, DELETE

As the majority of people today can testify, using computer software and hardware has become an ever-increasing professional and personal occupation that has infiltrated into almost every area of life. Although some will argue the exact impact of the computer on every conceivable area of human endeavor, it is nonetheless a recognizable fact that the majority in the industrialised world are at least familiar with its functions and limitations. I will use the analogy of the complexities of the computer hardware/software relationships to the city/re-invention programme's as the starting point of my critique. This will look at the different ways forward many cities in the western world are following, in a misguided approach to marketing themselves as a modern city. These discussions are set in the context of advancing technological achievements in fields other than just architecture, and their resulting adoption into architectural forms. Comparisons between computer/architectural interfaces are also examined to highlight resonance and fracture towards the integration of technology and architecture. To read CTRL, ALT, DELETE [pdf, 2.7Mb] or download zipped [2.6Mb]. (June, 2001)

REWORKING THE WORKPLACE

Within this research topic I will dispel the notion that virtual working communities are portrayed as an ideal means through which to conduct business. Instead I will advocate that a mix of a more traditional approach to be taken, with the exploitation of new technologies used as an effective tool and not just a means to an end.

I propose that as many of the traditional forms of employment within the medium to heavy industries are now in decline, reducing economic growth within the areas where they are located, a new form of catalyst for urban renewal and regeneration can be achieved within a new form of working environment. Areas of small and newly formed businesses brought together under the umbrella of the Business Innovation Park. Although it is beyond the scope of this essay to promote and research the effectiveness of specialist business parks as an aide to urban regeneration, it does nonetheless confirm my critique of the ‘virtual working community’. To read REWORKING THE WORKPLACE [pdf,1.2Mb] or download zipped [1.1Mb]. (February, 2001)

SOCIAL LIFECYCLES OF VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES

Over the last decade we have found ourselves in the midst of a cultural and technological revolution. It has changed the boundaries of social interaction, and created the virtual or on-line community. New social values in terms of human and computer interactions have changed the way we are now communicating both in business and private relationships. This paper deals with private relationships of individuals and groups of people in the formation and qualities of virtual or on-line communities. To read SOCIAL LIFECYCLES OF VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES [pdf, 110Kb] or download zipped [84Kb]. (March, 1999)