W01 Reading Reflection: Beyond Architecture

The idea of indeterminacy within architecture covers a lot of ground, varying from predicting indeterminate futures to understanding undefined/undetermined spaces. Designing for indeterminacy poses queries of function, reality and future evolution and relies greatly on the ability to adequately prepare for future events and possible design shortcomings. Beyond Architecture refers to architectural programs as “…just another sort of idealism” where in reality they are “nothing more than a passing fad” (p.94). Predicting for space and function whilst maintaining fluidity in schematics and physicality bodes for a lot of social and behavioural psychology relating to perceptions of space and the indeterminacy it can be perceived in.

Unfortunately this fluidity and adaptability of creating indeterminate spaces to last into the future, often relies on capitalist notions of the new and the interesting. Buying furniture and disposing of the old seems to be the solution to renewing fads and keeping up with the times.

“A house will no longer be this solidly built thing which sets out to defy time and decay… it will become a tool as the motor car is becoming a tool.” (p.100)

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Designing spaces as tools, allows for change and adaptability. But allowing for spaces to function such as a car is foreign and fantasy. The concept reminds me of Beauty & the Beast with the spider-like carriage that transports Belle’s father home. From this I began to think about mobile architecture and origins of the architecturally significant and fast growing ideas around it. The original ideas of mobile architecture rose with the nomadic lifestyle of many Indigenous people. Existing outside the confines of structured and programmed design, undetermined spaces were a certainty and were not designed, but rather inhabited. “Back to basics” may be a way of thinking about future scenarios and the undetermined realities that may transpire…