Technology in Practice (TIP) Committee Archive

AIA Baltimore Technology in Practice Committee announces the Second Annual Winter Technology-in-Design Seminar: "The New Descriptive Geometry" by Professor Earl Mark, University of Virginia, to be held at the University of Baltimore 's Thumel Business Center, Saturday, February 17, 2001

(Directions at http://www.ubalt.edu/main/about/directions.html .
The exact address of the Thumel Business Center is 11 W. Mt. Royal Ave.There is no address on the outside of the building, but the name clearly states "Thumel Business Center." It is at the
southwest corner of N. Charles St. and Mt. Royal Ave.)

The program will take place Saturday, February 17, 2001 from 10 AM to 2:30 PM. Coffee and registration begin at 10 AM. The Technology in Practice Committee’s Winter Seminar will feature a talk by University of Virginia’s Professor Earl Mark. As Director of Computer Technologies within the School of Architecture, and as Associate Professor of Architecture, Prof. Mark has a unique perspective on the role of computer technology in design. Prior to his appointment at UVA, he was a lecturer at MIT, a senior teaching fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and visiting lecturer at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich. His home page is at http://www.people.virginia.edu/~ejm9k/ .

Many exciting examples are promised, with images based on the work of his students, his research, and the work of internationally known architects. New subjects, carefully explained here, have previously been presented to the London offices of Kohn Pederson Fox, and Norman Foster.

Prof. Mark will cover "The New Descriptive Geometry," followed by a strategic overview of new trends and emerging processes. Discussion time is scheduled, so be sure to bring your questions. This is a program for the entire Baltimore architectural community, especially students. The program is arranged to give opportunity for a lively exchange. 3 New CES H/S/W credits. The cost is $20 for students, $25 for AIA Members and Affiliates, and $45 for Non Members. Parking is free with registration. The program is open to the public. Hurry.. Since space is limited, your check is your reservation. Lunch will be provided for an additional charge and details will be supplied to all who register.

Summary:

Computer aided design systems offer the promise to provide architects with a greater means to model and render complex shapes in three-dimensional built and natural forms. A new "descriptive geometry" enabled by the computer recalls a period of time in architectural education when generations of architects learned to draw complex geometry by hand. Until the 1960's, the teaching of descriptive geometry was considered to be a fundamental skill necessary both to the practice of architecture and to an architect's ability to think in three-dimensional space. For example, an older generation of architects can quickly visualize the problem of finding the intersection of two cylinders in three-dimensional space and put to paper, but younger architects can’t necessarily do it. Ironically, the teaching of computer aided design technology has in some sense supplanted the teaching of more fundamental three-dimensional drawing skill, but not necessarily the ability to think in three dimensions.

This talk will explore methods of harnessing computer aided design systems so as to provide architects with a greater intuition about the three-dimensional modeling of complex forms. The application of a macro programming language and a little basic algebra have the potential to change the dynamics of working with computer aided design. The shift is from that of counter-intuitive manipulation of a relatively obscure set of tools to that of more controlled, knowing and sophisticated uses.

Earl Mark will present examples based on contemporary and historical architectural forms. He will discuss relevant changes in architectural education and trends in computer aided design.

Date: November 27, 2000
Contact: Geraldine Pontius
Phone: 410-433-4633

The AIABaltimore Technology in Practice Committee meets at 6 PM on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Our programs are planned to answer the challenges facing our practice today. To maintain our leadership in design, construction and planning, the profession must develop new paradigms, integrate rapidly changing technologies, specify new materials, and use new methods... all within the context of meeting client needs and public expectations. Join us as we examine and present the use of technology in building design and architecture practice. For more information on the program, or to be added to the TiPC mailing list, contact committee chair Geraldine Pontius, A.I.A. at gpontius@gcp-architect.com.