Shift in Computation – Tangible to Intangible

Abstract

The design industry is dominated by ocularcentric culture – visualization and formal generation are generally regarded as the goal of production, focusing on transform intangible message into tangible visual forms. When computational tools intervene the process, we habitually use them as shortcut to complex forms, ignoring other potentials. There should be a shift in computation, realizing multi-sense in space for human. The shift is a transition from ocularcentric to all-sense culture. It challenges the singular process of “visualization” and “generative form”, by integrating two-way transformation between tangible message and intangible message. We should re-consider the process and result of computation – how do we transform tangible visual system into a source of intangible messages serving all senses? Meanwhile, we are in an era of interactivity. As emerging interactive mediums such as game engine, VR/AR devices extend the border of interaction, allowing real-time transmission of complex behavior and spatial information. The shift requires reflection on design thinking and our roles. When computation relates to space, the shift of computation is also the shift of space, in which architect will be a key role of constructing complex spatial system and human-space interaction. The shift addresses interdisciplinary and multi-sensory integration, aiming at diversity of spatial experiences and value of individuals, as thus inclusive and humanistic space can be built, to serve everyone.