TiQ / Think_Imagine_Question (Ideas + Research & Profound_Contributions) - Dmitrij O.Burakevic

Whilst there are time constraints to any project, before starting design be sure to investigate the history and context of the project site as the discoveries may yield an informed resolve.  Perhaps there was a technological advancement which can influence the narrative or maybe there was a historic event or object upon which you can orientate the architectural composition (the landscape, the structure/buildings).  Example; let us imagine your client’s heritage is involvement in aerospace innovation (flight). You can reflect the function in the structural design by utilising some of the construction methods and detail. Bolt on systems and such. Definition links:  zeitgeist  &  genius loci

Learning theory through storytelling can be an effective method as there is opportunity to relate to and empathise with the narrative. Application of complex subjects becomes more accessible as normally a variety of scenarios are given as example.  Subject matter can be extensive and varied, for example; learning about animal psychology and physiology as demonstrated on our  Positive_Cultivation  blog. "Do you want your child to be safer around animals? this book promotes observation of behaviour and positive interactions as well as introducing basic learning theory principles that are transferable between species (including humans) and can help understand the way we ourselves learn. Vera’s story encourages readers to follow their dreams and uniqueness."  Vera & Bob In addition,  watch ShirleyFilms  present;  The Great Debate: THE STORYTELLING OF SCIENCE Part 1 The Great Debate: THE STORYTELLING OF SCIENCE Part 2

It is crucial to pursue objective truth and yet you must remember to also inject your novel quirks and perks into your design / method.  If you are obsessed with the brain stimulating puzzles like the Rubik's cube , or coding ( binary ) and algorithms, maybe magnets is your persuasion?! Perhaps you are obsessed with musical instruments or the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio. Is it Space ? Stardust - Atoms; Electrons, Photons, Quarks, Neutrinos, et al. Maybe you simply like hats or fascinated with colours and how light reflects and refracts. The “funny bone” (the ulnar nerve) and the sensations or with how a ladybug wings fold or maybe shoelaces strike a cord. You owe yourself the justice of thinking and exploring how these wondrous factors can inform your design and approach. We, your audience, want to celebrate the joy of your eccentric (expressive contribution). Induce the geek and take us on the journey with you!

The True Cost for the Human Built Environment: Within the context of a physical world, whilst we design and construct thus ultimately modify the environment, we must always remember to be mindful of the true costs (beyond financial funding) and implications thereof:  Energy + Resources + Time  For registered architects, it is a legal requirement in England that is stipulated by the ARB 2017 Code of Professional Conduct and Practice; Standard 5.1. It also forms a crucial part of ethical practice in account of responsibility.  

To achieve clarity, the Concept must be consistent and coherent.  For example, let us assume you are to design a monument in memory of an in tense historic event. Much like storytelling, you will exhibit the evident tension through composition of layout; consider how someone navigates the landscape via varied levels, wide and narrow, tall and low, light and dark, spaces as well as literal structural tension . The relationship between function and form and how you orchestrate the interactions.  Perhaps you will illustrate deliberate use of stressed materials in specific instances. Reflecting such characteristics ensures that you echo such ‘tense’ records in time. Explore the depth and possibilities of this narrative with thorough detail; control the experiences but also accept that ‘users’ - all animals and people alike will form subjective and individual journeys. Creating a setting for discovery is fundamental, physical and theoretical. Perhaps you will in...

Navigate the planet Earth as far as reasonably practicable. You will raise your awareness and gain invaluable experience through exposure to various contexts; cultures, wisdom, places, spaces and memories. Remember the 1966 photograph taken by Lunar Orbiter 1 or the 1968 “Earthrise” photograph of the Earth by Astronaut  William Anders (Apollo 8 mission), these served as realisation triggers; that “there are no boarders!”  Exploring and experiencing particular context/ location(s) allows for a subjective experience of the terrain, the smells, the textures, the temperatures, the light and shadows, the colours etc. through the senses yet you can also conduct objective observation and record how people interact and navigate through the said space, the function and performance, the landscape and the architecture thereof.  These investigations and experiences form a collection of ‘parts or tools’ that you collect which will help reduce biased expectations, ...

The following will help us maintain intellectual honesty.  Note; there is no hierarchy as each is important.   Be sceptical and question the posed theories, arguments and/or claims. Avoid attacking collectives-individuals and their characters _ Ad hominem (Latin for "to the man" or "to the person", short for “argumentum ad hominem“, a logical fallacy). Avoid misinterpretation, distortion or gross representation of an idea, theory, position or argument presented. Allow the known persons to position themselves _ Straw Man Fallacy. Do not assert that because there is no evidence to suggest otherwise that something is therefore true or false. Ignorance is not substantiated _ Ad Ignorantiam (Latin: argumentum ad ignorant am, where ignorance represents "a lack of contrary evidence", a fallacy in informal logic. Statistics are a helpful source but you must always consider all of the variables. Ensure the data available represent...

BIM Clash Detection Approach – Whilst the software (algorithm) can be programmed and scripted to account for specific variables, the prime focus should still be on a human (conscious) ‘sense check’ due to awareness of the overall impact and consequences of all inputs, mindful of logic and rationale of the project.    “Clash Detection” software should be used as a secondary tool to help pick up discrepancies (“clashes”) that may have been overlooked. In simple terms: allow the  machine to do the labour intensive stuff because it is faster and more efficient than you. In turn it frees up time for you to to think, design and manually check overall intent and vision for the project. ...ponder upon a thought; Computer Aided Design to Building Information Modelling to Augmented/Virtual Reality to Artificial Intelligence Evolution...

Set-out and draft what is known first. This consistency will provide a starting point from which you will work out your construction detail(s). By thinking about each component and the parameters you will produce a composition which then can be reviewed and revised.  For example, the technology - construction method you intend to utilise will provide direction (size, form,  materiality  etc) or perhaps there is an existing structure which you can observe, survey and measure then translate the information into your detail.     

Golden Ratio _  1.61803398875 Fibonacci sequence _ 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8... The equilibrium of proportion can be observed everywhere in Nature. If you wish to achieve this balance you must identify with the Geometric pattern.   For example; the  nautilus shell or the pine cone...

Cause and effect is a Cosmic Law and can be observed everywhere within the Universe thus your life. Remember  "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." Sir Isaac Newton.

(Source: https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/goddard/lro-earthrise-2015 ) Due to awareness it is our responsibility to be concerned with what we are doing to the Planet_Earth. Remember that there are people who do not have that privilege as they must focus on the fundamental survival requirements such as hydration and nutrition and, are still more responsible than many of us. Whilst ‘changing the World’ may be your passion, concentrate on yourself and making the necessary change through yourself. Note that any decision that affects society should be based upon objective truth(s). Invest your time and energy through research. For now, ponder upon this: Orbital Debris  https://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/ "Computer generated orbital debris graphics displaying currently tracked debris objects. Several graphics taken from different view points.  LEO stands for low Earth orbit and is the region of space within 2,000 km of the Earth's surface. It is the...

Observe and investigate the environment and history of a place in intimate detail. Whilst this method demands time it yields an informed response from you by default. This method culminates opportunities for constructive resolve and reason. Avoid quixotic investigation - whilst recording your (subjective) perception of place is important, the fundamental logistics should be driving objective observation. Search for novelties - perhaps there are those that can provide feedback and direction through experience. Remember to test the connections. Exploring the core of your posed question(s) should be a theoretical and physical practice in unison.

Be mindful; if requested to reduce the scope of your work and you think it will yield gross simplification, do not submit, be mindful that ‘riddles’ and ‘poetry’ have their place and rather find a method of delivery that captures the essence of the information in a word, a sentence, an equation, a graph, a diagram, an image, a film, a sculptural object, an instrument or a device and so forth. 

Note: whilst this applies to other factors and scenarios, the context of this article is Communication.   When you present, debate or have a conversation you should utilise clear and articulate vocabulary to describe the complexity of the subject matter (aim to maintain proper grammar, logic and rhetoric). Reserve the sophisticated and measured "geek" lexicon for the technical paper as the proven and objective evidence you base your statements on. Attach the researched - observable data to an appendix. This will reflect your ability to conceive, identify and evaluate fundamental factors of each particular subject. This will help you hone your imaginative and intellectual tools of reason and logic.  Remember; ' simple ' not ‘ simplistic ’...

In education (particularly within legal/contractual remits) and practice, often you are faced with the question - what is the Architects Role?  (Note; scope of works will define that responsibility but we are addressing the question before that stage). Often you will observe a 'romantic' or a 'poetic' notion of the architects role; creating a 'canvas' for the client to craft and self express upon their journey through time. Allowing exploration be defined through the medium that is life. Beyond the impartial and the objective, involvement of an architect does not just simply yield ideas translated into physical intervention (a building etc). In fact resolve may not require or indeed involve a 'building' at all. Of course it may result in a structural or a landscape solution, perhaps a masterplan where necessary but these are not the limits of what the professional can offer. You are tapping into the experience, imagination and intellig...