Ineffable documents a timely and invaluable debate surrounding the use of computational tools in architecture and their effect on the nature of human expression. A distinguished group of architects, educators, and theoreticians discuss both the potential benefits as well as the perils associated with the recent turn to ever increasing computational complexity in contemporary design culture. Topics considered include: architecture in the post human era; the value and role of history within a computational paradigm; the relationship between humans and machines for the future of architecture; computers and design pedagogy; and digital-phenomenology in architecture. With essays from leading figures and 260 color photographs, illustrations, and drawings, Ineffable is for anyone interested in learning more about the political, social, and theoretical implications of the computer revolution in architecture. A collaboration between the City College of New York. Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture and Oscar Riera Ojeda Publishers

This book offers an alternative vision for the future of architecture, a timely and invaluable contribution to the debate concerning emergent surfaces and the next generation of building membranes in this era of extreme computational control.

Areas covered include:

• the future relationship between structure and ornament
• the value of mass customization for the next generation of modular building components
• the role of smart materials in creating a sustainable universe.

Critical essays are combined with cutting-edge work to form an inspiring manual of varied digital and analog techniques. Highly illustrated with over 300 photographs, illustrations, and drawings, Autogenic Structures is for anyone curious to learn about a visionary approach to the development of architecture.