3D model as a dynamic compilation of knowledge: interim results on the city of Alet

[EN] The late Iron Age capital of the Coriosolites, City of Alet, scattered today in a neighbourhood of Saint-Malo( France), has become since 2015 the subject of experimentations in digital archaeology. These have led us to define as objective a relevant three-dimensional (3D)reconstruction integrating different buildings, but also a precise topography, aspart of the coastal geomorphology, environmental vegetation and naval activities. First pillar of this reconstruction, 3D laser and magnetic surveys were conducted in order to get some digitised work supports, but also to raise some scientific issues. As part of the main Roman cities of Brittany, the historical study of the City began at least at the end of the 19thcentury and archaeological excavations began in the 1970s. So knowledge present in a wide spectrum of archaeological and historical references was then compiled. 3D reconstruction of the City, editable to adapt to new contributions and scientific discoveries, allows a dynamic synthesis of archaeological knowledge accumulated along the years. Because it was done within an archaeology laboratory, it was directly monitored and controlled iteratively by researchers in the field (site, area and period). This work currently allows archaeologists to face limits and constraints regarding this scientific process and better understand the organizational aspects of the City.The CCC’ project is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. It is led by the MAT (Maritime Archaeology Trust, Southampton, UK) and involves the Prehistory Department of the Universtiy of Cantabria (Santander, Spain), and the CReAAH (Centre de Recherche en Archéologie, Archéosciences, Histoire, Rennes, France). We also want to thank the company ABEM France for the loan of the Stream EM multichannel GPR used in Alet.Bernard, Y.; Barreau, J.; Bizien-Jaglin, C.; Quesnel, L.; Langouët, L.; Daire, M. (2017). 3D model as a dynamic compilation of knowledge: interim results on the city of Alet. Virtual Archaeology Review. 8(16):51-60. doi:10.4995/var.2017.5862.SWORD516081

3D Mapping of Islamic Geometric Motifs

In this thesis a novel approach in generating 3D IGP is applied using shape grammar, an effective pattern generation method. The particular emphasis here is to generate the motifs (repeat unit) in 3D using parameterization, which can then be manipulated within 3D space to construct architectural structures. Three unique distinctive shape grammar algorithms were developed in 3D; Parameterized Shape Grammar (PSG), Auto-Parameterized Shape Grammar (APSG) and Volumetric Shell Shape Grammar (VSSG). Firstly, the PSG generates the motifs in 3D. It allows one to use a single changeable regular 3D polygon, and forms a motif by given grammar rules including, Euclidean transformations and Boolean operations. Next, APSG was used to construct the architectural structures that manipulates the motif by automating the grammar rules. The APSG forms a wall, a column, a self-similarity star and a dome, the main features of Islamic architecture. However, applying Euclidean transformations to create non-Euclidean surfaces resulted in gaps and or overlaps which does not form a perfect tessellation. This is improved upon by the VSSM, which integrates two key methods, shell mapping and coherent point drift, to map an aesthetically accurate 3D IGM on a given surface. This work has successfully presented methods for creating complex intricate 3D Islamic Geometric Motifs (IGM), and provided an efficient mapping technique to form visually appealing decorated structures.Partially funded by the Centre of Visual Computing (CVC

Language and metaphor in postmodern architectural meaning: an interpretative model

The thesis aims to establish an interpretative model of, or mode of response to, postmodern and in particular, poststructuralist architecture. The existing lacuna of interpretation in this area is the result of the disfiguring, but ubiquitous, 'language of architecture' formulation which is formally challenged here as part of the construction of a model of interpretation. Interpretation as a key term is not only dealt with specifically in Chapter Five, but is also illuminated for example by the discussion in Chapter Two of signification and the complex relationship between visual image and language, since language has to emerge holistically as an aspect of architectural meaning. The thesis is divided into two parts. Part One comprises four theoretical chapters which are not necessarily 'about' architecture as such, but which provide the theoretical components of a model of interpretation. It needs to be clearly stated that this model is not epistemologically exclusive or absolute in any sense, but is only one among many other interpretative possibilities. The first chapter deals with methodology and a literature review. Chapter Two establishes the importance of signification and the sign and the semiotics of image and word. Chapter Three deals with ideas of what the postmodern might mean since the architecture principally dealt with is poststructuralist. The fulcrum moment of schism between Modernism and Postmodemism around 1960 is discussed, as is the vitally important allegorical nature of the postmodern. Chapter Four looks at the philosophy of language and meaning since language is indispensably a part of postmodern architectural meaning. Chapter Five discusses interpretation within the development of literary theory which must underpin the reading of buildings as the source of a coherent account of interpretation in general as well as particular architectural meaning. Part Two contains two chapters. Both are specifically about architecture and how it might be read in postmodern and poststructuralist context. The first, Chapter Six, deals with the trace of the development of postmodern architecture as both an aspect of Modernist architecture and a subversive imperative against it. Chapter Seven, the final chapter, puts into practice in an almost Leavisite way the interpretative stances established in Part One. Major works by poststructuralist architects are read in terms of metaphor, especially visual metaphor, rhetoric and allegory. From Part One to Part Two is from theory to practice. The thesis concludes by suggesting that architectural poststructuralist semantics and interpretation can only be deepened by dispensing with 'the language of architecture' in favour of language as emergent from architecture; the language of architecture does not exist

THE EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE DEEP STRUCTURE OF WESTERN THOUGHT AND ITS INFLUENCE UPON EDUCATION IN DESIGN

Criticisms of design education suggest that educational practices have failed to produce competent designers and, concurrently, failed to allow for participation in culture (Norberg-Schulz 1965, Rudofsky 1987, Ponce de Leon 2010, Norman 2011). These criticisms manifest themselves in questions of design methodology and in issues of race, class, and gender equity in both educational and professional practices; however, they have not engaged design education from the standpoint of educational philosophy. This dissertation begins a philosophical inquiry of those criticisms of design education by critically constructing a history and philosophy of design and design education. This construction suggests that design is, at a very basic level, analogous to the processes and practices associated with making (Frampton 1996, Sennett 2008). Resultantly, this work explores three ways of making—artistry, workmanship, and craftsmanship (Risatti 2007)—whose beliefs and practices are beneficial in understanding how educators might think about and teach design. This exploration of ways of making engages the work of educational philosophers as a means of coming to terms with criticisms of design education. Building from Jane Roland Martin’s project of cultural bookkeeping (Martin 2011), this dissertation theorizes a taking account of ways of making that can influence how we understand design. Taking account allows for the identification of assets and liabilities that impact design education and, once identified, can be fostered or eliminated in educational practice. Taking account requires a methodological strategy that can identify those assets and liabilities associated with education in design. As practices in education both shape and are shaped by culture (Martin 2011), this work engages critical theories that have been applied to other cultural practices. This dissertation has adapted, associated, and applied approaches by feminist scholars (Warren 1990, Korsmeyer 2004, Harding 1993, hooks 2015, Lugones 1987, Laird 2014, Code 1991). It has engaged the writings of African-American educators (Du Bois 2014, Washington 1986) and critical race theory (Anderson 1988) when exploring the educational practices that characterize African-American education in the South. The perceived liabilities of vocational education emerge from an exploration of the works of educational theorists (Dewey 1966 and 1997, Coffey 1992, Hager and Hyland 2002, Lewis 1991). In re-conceptualizing Vitruvius’ de Architectura as a treatise concerning the educational value of craftsmanship, this dissertation theorizes that his call for utility, durability, and beauty is a statement of the necessity of the designer—the architectus—to make judgements. This ability to make judgements—judgements that require the knowledge of epistêmê and the “know-how” of technê (Aristotle 1999 and 2004, Plato 1991 and 2002)—is the most essential skill of the designer if she is to attain the height of her profession; if she is to produce useful physical artifacts that assist in mediating human relationships with and in the world. Further, making judgements can be applied to other educational practices that require creative and critical outcomes (Churchman 1967, Schön 1983, Waks 2001)—it can be applied to practices in both design and general education. The ability to make judgments and the ability to recognize and accept that knowledge is not limited to the epistemic is a result of an education in craftsmanship. The educational value of craftsmanship is an educational theory that should provoke conversations among a variety of educational agents and, resultantly, lead to new areas of exploration in design education and in more general educational practices

Topics in Programming Languages, a Philosophical Analysis through the case of Prolog

[EN]Programming languages seldom find proper anchorage in philosophy of logic, language and science. is more, philosophy of language seems to be restricted to natural languages and linguistics, and even philosophy of logic is rarely framed into programming languages topics. The logic programming paradigm and Prolog are, thus, the most adequate paradigm and programming language to work on this subject, combining natural language processing and linguistics, logic programming and constriction methodology on both algorithms and procedures, on an overall philosophizing declarative status. Not only this, but the dimension of the Fifth Generation Computer system related to strong Al wherein Prolog took a major role. and its historical frame in the very crucial dialectic between procedural and declarative paradigms, structuralist and empiricist biases, serves, in exemplar form, to treat straight ahead philosophy of logic, language and science in the contemporaneous age as well. In recounting Prolog's philosophical, mechanical and algorithmic harbingers, the opportunity is open to various routes. We herein shall exemplify some: - the mechanical-computational background explored by Pascal, Leibniz, Boole, Jacquard, Babbage, Konrad Zuse, until reaching to the ACE (Alan Turing) and EDVAC (von Neumann), offering the backbone in computer architecture, and the work of Turing, Church, Gödel, Kleene, von Neumann, Shannon, and others on computability, in parallel lines, throughly studied in detail, permit us to interpret ahead the evolving realm of programming languages. The proper line from lambda-calculus, to the Algol-family, the declarative and procedural split with the C language and Prolog, and the ensuing branching and programming languages explosion and further delimitation, are thereupon inspected as to relate them with the proper syntax, semantics and philosophical élan of logic programming and Prolog

CTRL SHIFT

CTRL SHIFT makes a case for design under contemporary computation. The abstractions of reading, writing, metaphors, mythology, code, cryptography, interfaces, and other such symbolic languages are leveraged as tools for understanding. Alternative modes of knowledge become access points through which users can subvert the control structures of software. By challenging the singular expertise of programmers, the work presented within advocates for the examination of internalized beliefs, the redistribution of networked power, and the collective sabotage of computational authority

Architectonics of Game Spaces

What consequences does the design of the virtual yield for architecture and to what extent can the nature of architecture be used productively to turn game-worlds into sustainable places - over here, in »reality«? This pioneering collection gives an overview of contemporary developments in designing video games and of the relationships such practices have established with the design of architecture. Due to their often simulatory nature, games reveal constructions of reality while positively impacting spatial ability and allowing for alternative avenues to complex topics and processes of negotiation. Granting insight into the merging of the design of real and virtual environments, this volume offers an invaluable platform for further debate

Architectonics of Game Spaces: The Spatial Logic of the Virtual and Its Meaning for the Real

What consequences does the design of the virtual yield for architecture and to what extent can the nature of architecture be used productively to turn game-worlds into sustainable places - over here, in "reality"? This pioneering collection gives an overview of contemporary developments in designing video games and of the relationships such practices have established with the design of architecture. Due to their often simulatory nature, games reveal constructions of reality while positively impacting spatial ability and allowing for alternative avenues to complex topics and processes of negotiation. Granting insight into the merging of the design of real and virtual environments, this volume offers an invaluable platform for further debate