Digital Tectonics as a Morphogenetic Process

Abstract

Tectonics is a seminal concept that defines the nature of the relationship between architecture and its structural properties. The changing definition of the symbiotic relationship between structural engineering and architectural design may be considered one of the formative influences on the conceptual evolution of tectonics in different historical periods. Recent developments in the field of morphogenesis, digital media, theories techniques and methods of digital design have contributed a new models of integration between structure, material and form in digital tectonics. The objective of this paper is to propose and define tectonics as a model of morphogenetic process. The paper identifies and presents the manner in which theory and emerging concepts of morphogenesis as well as digital models of design are contributing to this new model. The paper first analyzes the historical evolution of tectonics as a concept and characterizes the emergence of theoretical framework reflected in concepts and terms related to morphogenesis.