Recognizing change : a set of short studies in pattern

This thesis presents a set of investigations on how pattern can be used to register change. Pattern--a set of attributes repeatedly transformed by rules--can be used to make apparent objects or ideas that transform and the operations that alter them. Our reactions to change, whether accepting or resisting it, are often repeated over time in a behavioral pattern. Repeated resistance to change is one of the patterns marking the psychological concept of Narcissism, a condition which can be both a useful defense mechanism and a paralyzing affliction. Faced with increasing technological change, contemporary culture has exhibited distinct patterns of resistance, patterns that describe a cultural condition of Narcissism. This project examines the production of pattern through different mechanisms of change. Each mechanism distances the designer from decisions about the object's final form. This distance suspends a Narcissistic desire for control. Rather than controlling change, the designer's rules must adapt to it. This thesis does not use pattern as an imposed form. Instead, this use of pattern creates models for a reciprocal dialogue between the intelligence of the designer and larger processes of change.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Architecture

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Forren, James C., 1974-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• J. Meejin Yoon.

• Architecture.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/30217

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/30217