Anna Papachristoforou

(National Technical University of Athens / AADRL)

Postgraduate Student

Transformational Architectures Over the last decades, there has been developed a tendency of the implication of modern mathematical theories in architectural thought. Architects turn to the dynamic aspects of topology; they are concerned with a geometry that is flexible and dynamic, the notions of ‘event’ and ‘process’ as dynamics inherent in continuous deformations.

Design process is considered as a sequence of constant transitions and variations from which the form emerges, instead of being based on a presupposed final form. However, there is a speculation of whether forms that emerge out of topological procedures are still dynamic. One could argue that there is no continuity between the dynamic process and the static final product. Parametric design, beyond pure geometry, should engage factors like spatial experience and fusion of disparate elements like new media and material, notions directly related with topology, and lead to a more topological architecture that continues to transform beyond its design process.

Anna Papachristoforou

(Architetcural Association)

In January 2008 I have presented my final Thesis proposal for the Design Research Laboratory Master in Architecture and Urbanism course (2006-2008) at the Architectural Association. The thesis `braided urbanism` is part of the Parametric Urbanism agenda of the DRL and proposes innovative forms of accelerated urbanization for the Shanghai Expo2010. ‘Braided urbanism’ explores the organizational and geometrical logics of lacing suggesting a system where local changes are able to reconfigure its overall coherence and generating new circulatory, programmatic and spatial combinations at different scales.

My undergraduate thesis at the National Technical University of Athens (1997-2005), ‘new media art: cause for the formation of spatialities in the field of actions’ proposes a new media art lab as a new form of space within the urban field, a space in process between city and building. The project was exhibited in Cyprus and Greece and is about to be published in ‘On site’ magazine.