Calculated Geometries. Experiments in Architectural Education and Research

Abstract

This paper addresses the role of geometry in architecture over history as the language supporting and bridging the design and construction realms. It does so by confronting two different, but complementary, approaches: the descriptive and the generative. By defending the creative relevance of the latter, this paper examines how the analogical and the digital conditions have supported and stimulated such conceptual and operative interest. Although a generative approach to geometry does not depend on the use of computers, this paper argues that computation is refactoring the role of geometry in architecture by merging the power of calculation with that of representation. To support and illustrate such consideration, five teaching and research works conducted by the author are here presented and illustrated.