Time-like Architectures The Emergence of Post-spatial Parametric Worlds

Abstract

A new trend is emerging in architecture today: dynamic and time-like architectures (term derived from the language of Theory of Relativity) that are capable of moving, flexing and reconfiguring themselves through globally networked control mechanisms are emerging. Such buildings maybe “plugged into” the information networks and can be manipulated through remote interaction. Architecture can be published, literally. At this time there is no one theoretical framework available to address such architectural efforts and the paper is aimed at providing a framework under the rubric of “Time-like Architectures”. The paper addresses the unprecedented transformation of the spatial and temporal foundations of architecture by a coming together of two technological developments: global real-time information networks and kinetic, pneumatic tectonics. Envisioned, and, in some cases built, by a group of avant-garde architects, time-like architectures are poised to become a norm in a not too distant future. The paper will identify, define and outline few time-like works. The paper will also outline the historical, theoretical and ethical relationships between post-spatial, post-modern and modern architectures using Charles Jencks’ structuralist classification, Evolutionary Tree.