Evaluating Complexity – Ethical Challenges in Computational Design Processes
Complexity, as a theoretical background has made it
easier to understand and explain the features and dynamic behavior
of various complex systems. As the common theoretical background
has confirmed, borrowing the terminology for design from the
natural sciences has helped to control and understand urban
complexity. Phenomena like self-organization, evolution and
adaptation are appropriate to describe the formerly inaccessible
characteristics of the complex environment in unpredictable bottomup
systems. Increased computing capacity has been a key element in
capturing the chaotic nature of these systems.
A paradigm shift in urban planning and architectural design has
forced us to give up the illusion of total control in urban
environment, and consequently to seek for novel methods for
steering the development. New methods using dynamic modeling
have offered a real option for more thorough understanding of
complexity and urban processes. At best new approaches may renew
the design processes so that we get a better grip on the complex
world via more flexible processes, support urban environmental
diversity and respond to our needs beyond basic welfare by liberating
ourselves from the standardized minimalism.
A complex system and its features are as such beyond human
ethics. Self-organization or evolution is either good or bad. Their
mechanisms are by nature devoid of reason. They are common in
urban dynamics in both natural processes and gas. They are features
of a complex system, and they cannot be prevented. Yet their
dynamics can be studied and supported.
The paradigm of complexity and new design approaches has been
criticized for a lack of humanity and morality, but the ethical
implications of scientific or computational design processes have not
been much discussed. It is important to distinguish the (unexciting)
ethics of the theory and tools from the ethics of computer aided
processes based on ethical decisions. Urban planning and architecture
cannot be based on the survival of the fittest; however, the natural
dynamics of the system cannot be impeded on grounds of being
“non-human".
In this paper the ethical challenges of using the dynamic models
are contemplated in light of a few examples of new architecture and
dynamic urban models and literature. It is suggested that ethical
challenges in computational design processes could be reframed
under the concepts of responsibility and transparency.
[1] S. Kauffman, At home in the Universe. The Search for the Laws of Self-
Organization and Complexity. New York: Oxford University Press,
1995.
[2] J. Portugali, Self-organization and the city. Berlin Heidelberg NewYork:
Springer-Verlag 1999.
[3] P. Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004.
[4] J.L.Casti, Complexification. Explaining a Paradoxical World Through
the Science of Surprise. New York, HarperCollins Publishers, 1994.
[5] J. Portugali, "Planning just-in-time versus Planning just-in-case". Cities,
vol 21. no.1, 2004, p. 29-39.
[6] A. Kervanto-Nevanlinna, Modernism and Identity in Architecture.
Yhdyskuntasuunnittelu 2003:3 vol. 41. pp. 52-64.
[7] N. Alfasi and J.Portugali," Planning Rules for a Self-Planned City".
Planning Theory, vol. 6(2), 2007, pp.164-182.
[8] J. Portugali, "Planning just-in-time versus Planning just-in-case". Cities,
vol 21. no.1, 2004, p. 29-39.
[9] P. Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004, pp.258-9.
[10] G. Lynn, "Blob". In M. Lachowsky and J. Benzakin (eds.): Greg Lynn.
Folds, bodies&blobs. Collected esseys. Belgigue: La letter vole, 1998,
pp. 157-168.
[11] M.S.Watanabe, Induction Design. A Method for Evolutionary Design.
Basel-Boston-Berlin: Birkhäuser, 2002.
[12] O. Bouman, "Amor(f)al Architecture or Architectural Multiples in the
post-humanist Age". In M.Lachowsky and J.Benzakin, (eds.) Greg Lynn.
Folds, bodies&blobs. Collected essays. Belgique: La letter vole, 1998,
pp.9-14.
[13] V.Guallart, GEO LOGICS. Geography Information Architecture.
Barcelona/New York: Actar, 2008, p.3.
[14] V.Guallart, GEO LOGICS. Geography Information Architecture.
Barcelona/New York: Actar, 2008, p.5.
[15] M.Weinstock, "Morphogenesis and the Mathematics of Emergence." In
M.Hensel, A,Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.). Emergence:
Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol 74. West
Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, p.17.
[16] J.H. Holland, Hidden Order: How Adaptation Builds Complexity. Basic
Books, 1995.
[17] P. Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004, pp.253-4.
[18] T.Pakarinen, Terttu and K.Närhi, "Integrating a project within a
planning system and promoting interaction" In Ahlava,Antti; Edelman,
Harry (eds.). Urban Design Management: A Guide to Good Practice.
London, New York. Taylor&Francis, 2007, 200-203.
[19] MVRDV, SpaceFighter. Barcelona/New York: Actar, 2009.
[20] J. Portugali, Self-organization and the city. Berlin Heidelberg NewYork:
Springer-Verlag 1999 p.321.
[21] P. Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004, p.252.
[22] P. Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004, p.259.
[23] M.Weinstock, "Morphogenesis and the Mathematics of Emergence." In
M.Hensel, A,Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.). Emergence:
Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol 74. West
Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, p.17.
[24] M.Novak, "Liquid~. Trans~. Invisible~: The Ascent of Speciation of the
Digital in Architectur. A Story" In P.Schmal (ed.) Digital Real.
Blobmeister: First Built Projects. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2001, p.248..
[25] M.Weinstock, "Morphogenesis and the Mathematics of Emergence." In
M.Hensel, A,Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.). Emergence:
Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol 74. West
Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, pp. 10-17.
[26] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009.
[27] T. Heikkerö, "Kolme n├ñkökulmaa tekniikan ja etiikan suhteisiin". N&N
1/2006, p.42.
[28] D.G.Johnson, "Computer Ethics". In Floridi, Luciano(eds.) Philosophy
of Computing and Information. Oxford: Blackwell, 2004, pp.69-70.
[29] D.G.Johnson, "Computer Ethics". In Floridi, Luciano(eds.) Philosophy
of Computing and Information. Oxford: Blackwell, 2004, p.67.
[30] K.Terzidis, Algorithmic Architecture. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2006, p.23.
[31] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.2.
[32] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.8.
[33] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.3.
[34] J.Partanen, Jenni and A.Joutsiniemi, "Simulaatio kaupungin
kompleksisen kehityksen hallinnassa". Yhdyskuntasuunnittelu 2/2007.
[35] M.S.Watanabe, Induction Design. A Method for Evolutionary Design.
Basel-Boston-Berlin: Birkhäuser, 2002, pp.25-6.
[36] M.Weinstock, "Morphogenesis and the Mathematics of Emergence." In
M.Hensel, A,Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.). Emergence:
Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol 74. West
Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, pp.10-17.
[37] B. Franken, "For the Joy of Driving." In P.Schmal (ed.) Digital Real.
Blobmeister: First Built Projects. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2001, p.185.
[38] M.Hensel, "Finding Exotic Form: An Evolution of Form Finding as a
Design Method." In M.Hensel, A.Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.).
Emergence: Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol
74. West Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, p.27.
[39] M.Hensel, "Finding Exotic Form: An Evolution of Form Finding as a
Design Method." In M.Hensel, A.Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.).
Emergence: Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol
74. West Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, p.28.
[40] K.Terzidis, Expressive Form. A Conceptual Approach to Computational
Design. Spon Press, New York, 2003.
[41] J.Partanen and A.Joutsiniemi,"Simulaatio kaupungin kompleksisen
kehityksen hallinnassa". Yhdyskuntasuunnittelu 2/2007.
[42] MVRDV, SpaceFighter. Barcelona/New York: Actar, 2009, p.25.
[43] K.Terzidis, Algorithmic Architecture. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2006, p.27.
[44] M.S.Watanabe, Induction Design. A Method for Evolutionary Design.
Basel-Boston-Berlin: Birkhäuser, 2002, p.7.
[45] P.Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004, p.173.
[46] T.Heikkerö, Kolme n├ñkökulmaa tekniikan ja etiikan suhteisiin. N&N
1/2006, p.43..
[47] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.12.
[48] M.Hensel and A. Menges (eds.), Morpho-Ecologies. London: AApublications,
2006 , p.38.
[49] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.12.
[50] K.Terzidis, Algorithmic Architecture. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2006.
[51] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.14.
[52] K.Terzidis, Algorithmic Architecture. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2006, p.27.
[53] MVRDV, SpaceFighter. Barcelona/New York: Actar, 2009.
[1] S. Kauffman, At home in the Universe. The Search for the Laws of Self-
Organization and Complexity. New York: Oxford University Press,
1995.
[2] J. Portugali, Self-organization and the city. Berlin Heidelberg NewYork:
Springer-Verlag 1999.
[3] P. Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004.
[4] J.L.Casti, Complexification. Explaining a Paradoxical World Through
the Science of Surprise. New York, HarperCollins Publishers, 1994.
[5] J. Portugali, "Planning just-in-time versus Planning just-in-case". Cities,
vol 21. no.1, 2004, p. 29-39.
[6] A. Kervanto-Nevanlinna, Modernism and Identity in Architecture.
Yhdyskuntasuunnittelu 2003:3 vol. 41. pp. 52-64.
[7] N. Alfasi and J.Portugali," Planning Rules for a Self-Planned City".
Planning Theory, vol. 6(2), 2007, pp.164-182.
[8] J. Portugali, "Planning just-in-time versus Planning just-in-case". Cities,
vol 21. no.1, 2004, p. 29-39.
[9] P. Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004, pp.258-9.
[10] G. Lynn, "Blob". In M. Lachowsky and J. Benzakin (eds.): Greg Lynn.
Folds, bodies&blobs. Collected esseys. Belgigue: La letter vole, 1998,
pp. 157-168.
[11] M.S.Watanabe, Induction Design. A Method for Evolutionary Design.
Basel-Boston-Berlin: Birkhäuser, 2002.
[12] O. Bouman, "Amor(f)al Architecture or Architectural Multiples in the
post-humanist Age". In M.Lachowsky and J.Benzakin, (eds.) Greg Lynn.
Folds, bodies&blobs. Collected essays. Belgique: La letter vole, 1998,
pp.9-14.
[13] V.Guallart, GEO LOGICS. Geography Information Architecture.
Barcelona/New York: Actar, 2008, p.3.
[14] V.Guallart, GEO LOGICS. Geography Information Architecture.
Barcelona/New York: Actar, 2008, p.5.
[15] M.Weinstock, "Morphogenesis and the Mathematics of Emergence." In
M.Hensel, A,Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.). Emergence:
Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol 74. West
Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, p.17.
[16] J.H. Holland, Hidden Order: How Adaptation Builds Complexity. Basic
Books, 1995.
[17] P. Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004, pp.253-4.
[18] T.Pakarinen, Terttu and K.Närhi, "Integrating a project within a
planning system and promoting interaction" In Ahlava,Antti; Edelman,
Harry (eds.). Urban Design Management: A Guide to Good Practice.
London, New York. Taylor&Francis, 2007, 200-203.
[19] MVRDV, SpaceFighter. Barcelona/New York: Actar, 2009.
[20] J. Portugali, Self-organization and the city. Berlin Heidelberg NewYork:
Springer-Verlag 1999 p.321.
[21] P. Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004, p.252.
[22] P. Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004, p.259.
[23] M.Weinstock, "Morphogenesis and the Mathematics of Emergence." In
M.Hensel, A,Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.). Emergence:
Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol 74. West
Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, p.17.
[24] M.Novak, "Liquid~. Trans~. Invisible~: The Ascent of Speciation of the
Digital in Architectur. A Story" In P.Schmal (ed.) Digital Real.
Blobmeister: First Built Projects. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2001, p.248..
[25] M.Weinstock, "Morphogenesis and the Mathematics of Emergence." In
M.Hensel, A,Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.). Emergence:
Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol 74. West
Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, pp. 10-17.
[26] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009.
[27] T. Heikkerö, "Kolme n├ñkökulmaa tekniikan ja etiikan suhteisiin". N&N
1/2006, p.42.
[28] D.G.Johnson, "Computer Ethics". In Floridi, Luciano(eds.) Philosophy
of Computing and Information. Oxford: Blackwell, 2004, pp.69-70.
[29] D.G.Johnson, "Computer Ethics". In Floridi, Luciano(eds.) Philosophy
of Computing and Information. Oxford: Blackwell, 2004, p.67.
[30] K.Terzidis, Algorithmic Architecture. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2006, p.23.
[31] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.2.
[32] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.8.
[33] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.3.
[34] J.Partanen, Jenni and A.Joutsiniemi, "Simulaatio kaupungin
kompleksisen kehityksen hallinnassa". Yhdyskuntasuunnittelu 2/2007.
[35] M.S.Watanabe, Induction Design. A Method for Evolutionary Design.
Basel-Boston-Berlin: Birkhäuser, 2002, pp.25-6.
[36] M.Weinstock, "Morphogenesis and the Mathematics of Emergence." In
M.Hensel, A,Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.). Emergence:
Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol 74. West
Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, pp.10-17.
[37] B. Franken, "For the Joy of Driving." In P.Schmal (ed.) Digital Real.
Blobmeister: First Built Projects. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2001, p.185.
[38] M.Hensel, "Finding Exotic Form: An Evolution of Form Finding as a
Design Method." In M.Hensel, A.Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.).
Emergence: Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol
74. West Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, p.27.
[39] M.Hensel, "Finding Exotic Form: An Evolution of Form Finding as a
Design Method." In M.Hensel, A.Menges and M.Weinstock (eds.).
Emergence: Morphogenetic Design Strategies. Architectural Design, vol
74. West Sussex: Wiley Academy, 2004, p.28.
[40] K.Terzidis, Expressive Form. A Conceptual Approach to Computational
Design. Spon Press, New York, 2003.
[41] J.Partanen and A.Joutsiniemi,"Simulaatio kaupungin kompleksisen
kehityksen hallinnassa". Yhdyskuntasuunnittelu 2/2007.
[42] MVRDV, SpaceFighter. Barcelona/New York: Actar, 2009, p.25.
[43] K.Terzidis, Algorithmic Architecture. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2006, p.27.
[44] M.S.Watanabe, Induction Design. A Method for Evolutionary Design.
Basel-Boston-Berlin: Birkhäuser, 2002, p.7.
[45] P.Allen, Cities and regions as self-organizing systems. Oxon:
Taylor&Francis, 2004, p.173.
[46] T.Heikkerö, Kolme n├ñkökulmaa tekniikan ja etiikan suhteisiin. N&N
1/2006, p.43..
[47] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.12.
[48] M.Hensel and A. Menges (eds.), Morpho-Ecologies. London: AApublications,
2006 , p.38.
[49] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.12.
[50] K.Terzidis, Algorithmic Architecture. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2006.
[51] M.J.Ostwald, Evaluating Digital Architecture: Ethics and the Autogenerative
Design Process. In
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ebe2009/submit/EBE2009_OSTWALD_Pap
er.pdf, 2009, p.14.
[52] K.Terzidis, Algorithmic Architecture. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2006, p.27.
[53] MVRDV, SpaceFighter. Barcelona/New York: Actar, 2009.
@article{"International Journal of Business, Human and Social Sciences:54095", author = "J.Partanen", title = "Evaluating Complexity – Ethical Challenges in Computational Design Processes", abstract = "Complexity, as a theoretical background has made it
easier to understand and explain the features and dynamic behavior
of various complex systems. As the common theoretical background
has confirmed, borrowing the terminology for design from the
natural sciences has helped to control and understand urban
complexity. Phenomena like self-organization, evolution and
adaptation are appropriate to describe the formerly inaccessible
characteristics of the complex environment in unpredictable bottomup
systems. Increased computing capacity has been a key element in
capturing the chaotic nature of these systems.
A paradigm shift in urban planning and architectural design has
forced us to give up the illusion of total control in urban
environment, and consequently to seek for novel methods for
steering the development. New methods using dynamic modeling
have offered a real option for more thorough understanding of
complexity and urban processes. At best new approaches may renew
the design processes so that we get a better grip on the complex
world via more flexible processes, support urban environmental
diversity and respond to our needs beyond basic welfare by liberating
ourselves from the standardized minimalism.
A complex system and its features are as such beyond human
ethics. Self-organization or evolution is either good or bad. Their
mechanisms are by nature devoid of reason. They are common in
urban dynamics in both natural processes and gas. They are features
of a complex system, and they cannot be prevented. Yet their
dynamics can be studied and supported.
The paradigm of complexity and new design approaches has been
criticized for a lack of humanity and morality, but the ethical
implications of scientific or computational design processes have not
been much discussed. It is important to distinguish the (unexciting)
ethics of the theory and tools from the ethics of computer aided
processes based on ethical decisions. Urban planning and architecture
cannot be based on the survival of the fittest; however, the natural
dynamics of the system cannot be impeded on grounds of being
“non-human".
In this paper the ethical challenges of using the dynamic models
are contemplated in light of a few examples of new architecture and
dynamic urban models and literature. It is suggested that ethical
challenges in computational design processes could be reframed
under the concepts of responsibility and transparency.", keywords = "urban planning, architecture, dynamic modeling,ethics, complexity theory.", volume = "4", number = "6", pages = "833-10", }