ABSTRACT

This book proposes a system structure in architectural design that conceptualises a systemic level in architecture and construction that lies between general construction techniques and specific architectural results. In order to make such a system structure operational, the elaboration of a model seeks on the one hand to analytically grasp and on the other hand to make it possible to actively work with system structures as part of architectural design. Kasper Sanchez Vibaek's ambition is to bridge an apparent and increasing gap between architectural ideation and the way these ideas are brought to life as real physical manifestations of our built environment.

In line with the so-called systems sciences the book rejects the prevalent scientific view that the degree of detail ‘automatically’ enhances understanding and explanative power of complex phenomena. It establishes the idea of a systems view on buildings and architectural design that through the use of flexible constituent elements facilitates discussion and decision making about how architectural wholes are appropriately put together as assemblages of what the current and future building industry is capable of producing.

Based on several years of detailed research into the architectural consequences of construction when exposed to industrialised production techniques and systems, Architectural System Structures represents a new way to look at what is already there and is useful for all those interested in the processes of architectural creation and realisation specifically attached to time, place and cultural context.

chapter |8 pages

Introduction

Handling complexity in architecture and construction

part I|79 pages

System

chapter 1|19 pages

Systems in architectural theory

chapter 2|11 pages

Classification systems in construction

chapter 3|17 pages

Industrial production theory

chapter 4|17 pages

General systems theory

chapter 5|13 pages

Architectural systems terminology

part II|35 pages

Product

chapter 7|18 pages

Product catalogue

chapter 8|4 pages

Industrial ecology

part III|84 pages

Model

chapter 9|13 pages

Model presentation

chapter 10|22 pages

KieranTimberlake

Cellophane House™ and Loblolly House

chapter 11|16 pages

Scandi Byg

All-encompassing factory produced housing solutions

chapter 12|16 pages

NCC

An office building concept

chapter 13|15 pages

Arup Associates

The Ropemaker Place project

part IV|29 pages

Reflection

chapter 14|20 pages

Findings

Discussion of perspectives of system structure and use of the model

chapter 15|7 pages

Conclusions

Revisiting main problem, hypothesesand research questions