Thorpe, Graham R and Kashuk, Sam (2010) Architecture and Engineering Science: Increasing the Coefficient of Transversality. In: Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities (8th Annual Conference), 13th - 16th January 2010, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

Abstract

Architects operate on many intersecting planes – aesthetic, economic, political, social – whereas engineers' roles are seen to serve to concretise the ideal. From this perspective architecture displays a certain rhizomaticity, whereas engineering science is viewed as an arborescent hierarchical system of knowledge, a territorialised assemblage of facts, design rules and building codes. It is argued that this is a highly distorted view of reality, and that engineering science will be subsumed into the architectural design process. An appreciation of engineering science can lead to new and imaginative deployments of building materials to create interesting and functional spaces. In creative endeavours engineering science increases the coefficient of transversality; it catalyses rhizomaticity. There are two further pressures shaping the evolution of the architectural profession. Firstly, environmental concerns are encouraging architects to design buildings that are ecologically benign. Secondly, information technology enables knowledge to be accessed and shared, rather than simply transmitted. In other words, information technology is increasing the rhizomaticity of the architectural profession, and a range of professionals will participate in the design process on more or less equal terms. Victoria University is responding to these pressures by developing a pedagogy that syncretises architecture and engineering – that melds them into a seamless whole.

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