Monday, November 20, 2006

global network archipelago

as is proposed in a previous blog entry, the intent of my megaproposal is to create a network archipelago to facilitate the spread of the internet through the creation of a network of small installations. as i set out to create an algorithm to create this architecture, i first considered the form and program of each individual installation. the program would be based on:
  1. the internet
  2. language
  3. local need factor
the first two program functions would work together to provide interenet access and foster the development of more languages on the internet. the third program function would provide a response to a local need. i noticed in my mapimation that areas with low internet development tended to have high instability. this third program function could serve to house aids clinics, polling booths, disaster relief or refugee camp headquarters, etc.

each of these functions would be housed in a separate volume, and this volume's placement would respond to the condition of that function at the installation. to determine this, i mapped epicenter points for language, internet, and local needs across the globe. my algorithm analyzes these points at each installation and places each volume accordingly. currently, each volume represents a 40' shipping container.

what i find particularly intriguing about this approach is that the architecture becomes a map of several conditions. these condition are dynamic, and each installation could respond to the instantaneous condition at its creation. if this network were constructed, it would serves as a three dimensional database of these condition. the algorithm could be reversed in order to understand these conditions at a specific point in time.

the next iteration of the algorithm:
  • size each volume to respond in some way to its condition
  • create dynamic conditions so that the archipelago responds to differently over time

below are a few images of the archipelago. an important note: these drawings are NOT to scale. each volume represents a 40' shipping container. they have been exaggerated to show relationships over great geographical distances.


perspective


plan



plan detail

2 comments:

Katy Seaman said...

jason,

the idea that an algorithm can begin to dictate how our landscapes shift and generate becomes a very interesting notion. forms, through algorithmic architecture, become limited to the code that gets programmed, relying on a certain level of human knowledge about the various computer languages in order for the generation and fabrication of specific forms. what happens when the form exceeds human knowledge and therefore ceases to exist within a certain setting because the code for that form cannot be conceived by the human brain in terms of a specific computer language?

since your previous mappings reveal a language archipelago based on the languages found within the parameters of the internet, could your algorithmic architecture begin to reveal how the various computer languages of the world, that generate the forms of algorithmic architecture, work within this same internet language archipelago? how does your algorithm work specifically and strategically within your mapping?

overall, i think you have a solid concept, and i've been highly impressed with your resolve with form-z scripting. i'm looking forward to seeing your next iterations.

- katy

rael said...

perhaps if you used metaformz or metaballz instead of the 40' containers, you would generate more dynamic relationships between each component.