"Nothing makes itself; nothing is really autopoietic or self-organizing." D Haraway, 2016
In this week's blog I'd like to change up and go over the concept of Sympoietics in Architecture ispired by the work of Donna Haraway, and American professor. Nothing makes itself; nothing is really autopoietic or self-organizing.
The architerctural field is no stranger to new paradigms and models even movements. These models emerge to address complex challenges of our contemporary anthropocene age and embrace the interconnectedness of urban environments. One such paradigm shift is proposed in the article "Towards a Sympoietic Architecture: Codividual Sympoiesis as an Architectural Model" by the Bartlett School of Architecture's Bartlett Prospectives Journal. Drawing on the principles of sympoiesis and codividuality, the article presents an argument for reimagining architectural practice as a collaborative and dynamic process. (Bansal, 2020)
In his article, "Towards a Sympoietic Architecture," Shivang Bansal introduces the concept of sympoiesis, a term coined by biologist Donna J Haraway, as a theoretical framework for reimagining architectural practice. It advocates for a shift towards a sympoietic architecture that embraces collaboration, diversity, and adaptability. It introduces the concept of "codividual sympoiesis," which emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and collectives in architectural production. (Haraway, 2016,).
The article critiques traditional architectural models for their hierarchical organization and limited capacity to address complexity and change. It proposes sympoietic architecture as a more flexible and adaptive alternative, drawing on examples and case studies to illustrate its potential benefits. (Bansal, 2020)
Sympoiesis aligns with other spatial and urban theories and methodologies such as resilience and biomimicry. The role of biomimicry in disaster-resilient architecture, as discussed by Aditya Gattupalli in ArchDaily, aligns with the ethos of sympoietic architecture. Biomimicry involves imitating nature's strategies and forms to enhance resilience and sustainability in built environments. This interdisciplinary approach draws inspiration from natural systems, fostering symbiotic relationships between human-made structures and the surrounding ecosystem. (Gattupalli, 2023)
The Geddes Plan for Jaffa, Palestine [1] is an example of the application of sympoietic principles in urban planning. Developed by Patrick Geddes in 1925, this plan emphasizes organic development, integrating social, cultural, and environmental considerations. The plan embodies the notion of sympoiesis, where the fusion of diverse elements creates a vibrant and resilient urban fabric.
At the heart of sympoietic architecture lies the concept of sympoiesis, which parallels the biological concept of autopoiesis. Autopoiesis refers to self-maintaining systems capable of self-reproduction and self-regulation (Autopoiesis, 2021). Similarly, sympoietic architecture emphasizes the collaborative and emergent nature of architectural systems, where multiple actors contribute to the creation and evolution of built environments.
The Vasari Corridor in Florence serves as a tangible example of sympoietic urban fusion, where local conditions and spatial functions come together to create a greater whole.
Commissioned by the Medici family in 1565, this 1km-long passageway seamlessly integrates with existing buildings and crosses over the River Arno, showcasing innovative architectural techniques. The corridor exemplifies the fusion of parts within a larger urban organization, embodying the concept of sympoiesis in its design and function. Through innovative techniques and careful integration with existing structures, the Vasari Corridor epitomizes the fusion of parts leading to the creation of a unified architectural entity. (Romeo, 2011)
Moreover, the notion of codividual sympoiesis suggests a nested situation where different spatial functions fuse and co-operate. This multi-species architecture, or "becoming-with" architecture, extends beyond physical fusion to encompass ecological fusion, integrating elements such as daylight and ventilation into the architectural fabric (Bansal, 2020). Thus, the Vasari Corridor serves as a manifestation of sympoietic principles, illustrating the potential for collaborative and emergent urban design, highlighting the transformative power of architectural innovation rooted in collaboration and synergy. (Romeo, 2011)
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the concept of sympoietic architecture and its implications for contemporary urban design. By embracing collaboration, emergence, and interconnectedness, sympoietic architecture offers new avenues for creating resilient, sustainable, and socially inclusive built environments.
However, while sympoietic architecture offers innovative possibilities, its practical implementation raises some challenges. The role of sympoiesis in architecture as a practical movement might lack a detailed discussion of the logistical and institutional barriers to adopting this approach. raising questions about the feasibility and scalability of sympoietic architecture in practice.
REFERENCES
Autopoiesis. (2021, April 15). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autopoiesis#:~:text=The%20term%20autopoiesis%20(from%20Greek
Bansal, S. (2020, October 25). Towards a Sympoietic Architecture: Codividual Sympoiesis as an Architectural Model. Prospectives; University College London. https://journal.b-pro.org/article/towards-a-sympoietic-architecture-codividual-sympoiesis-as-an-architectural-model/. shivang.bansal.18@alumni.ucl.ac.uk.
Gattupalli, A. (2023, November 6). The Role of Biomimicry in Disaster-Resilient Architecture. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/1009289/the-role-of-biomimicry-in-disaster-resilient-architecture#:~:text=Biomimicry%2C%20the%20practice%20of%20imitating
Geddes , P. (1854). Cover of Geddes’s 1925 report. In Wikimedia. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18858642
Geddes Plan for Tel Aviv. (2023, June 27). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geddes_Plan_for_Tel_Aviv
Haraway, D. J. (2016). Staying with the trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene. Duke University Press.
Mosayebi, E. (n.d.). Zweite Moderne – Professur Mosayebi. Mosayebi.arch.ethz.ch. https://mosayebi.arch.ethz.ch/en/thesaurus/tentacular-thinking/
Romeo, C. (2011). Vasari Corridor in Florence:History & Brief Introduction to the Vasari Corridor. Www.visitflorence.com. https://www.visitflorence.com/florence-museums/the-vasari-corridor.html
Sailko. (2009, April 22). Corridoio vasariano da uffizi. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6692424
Annotation
Comments