I am
working on a series of equations involving design topics that combine to
produce levels of shelter intensity among buildings, within neighborhoods, and
throughout cities. The value assigned to each topic represents a design
decision. An equation collects these decisions and predicts the intensity
implied. Intensity in turn falls within a range beginning with sprawl and
ending with over-development. When equations are not written and parameters are
not assigned to each value, the outcome is completely unpredictable. This is
where we are today as we promiscuously consume our source of life.
The key
terms are equations, topics, and values. They are meant to support talent and
improve its persuasive ability by focusing on site plan and building mass
relationships that produce levels of intensity. Values assigned to topics
within an equation represent architectural design decisions. Acceptable parameters represent city design decisions. Persuasive parameters will require
an evaluation of the options. Parameter decisions will define desirable shelter intensity
options within the limits of a Built Domain that protects its source of life,
the Natural Domain.
At the
present time equations do not exist. Random topics are scattered throughout zoning
ordinances without mathematical coordination; and values are often copied from
other ordinances or enacted from limited experience. The result has been
over-development, sprawl, and economic decline with occasional success that is
rarely attributed to the prevailing ordinance or plan.
We have
been searching for additional knowledge and I believe it begins with intensity.
We cannot live without shelter for all of our activities; but its expanding
presence threatens our source of life. Restricting expansion for growing
populations will increase the intensity of shelter provided and threaten the
quality of life introduced. It is a design problem requiring decisions that
cannot be addressed with the current tools and research available, in my
opinion.
Improvement
will begin with an understanding of the topics, relationships, and optional decisions
defined by the equations of intensity. I hope this will contribute to a
Symbiotic Period of design. It will be required to adapt once again to the
voice heard by intuition, answered by imagination, and memorized by those
seeking knowledge.
