Air, Architecture and Other Climates

Structure of Book

The book is organised as a set of three trajectories that move at different speeds, allowing readers a degree of flexibility in approaching it. 

The first trajectory spans the entire arc of the book and traces the feedback loop linking architecture, computational design and representation. 

A second series of (medium speed) trajectories is found within the book chapters. Each chapter traces the feedback between specific concepts and methodologies, illustrated and developed through examples from internal and external practices and writings – ranging from conceptual interpretations of air, towards systems and techniques of engaging with the atmosphere and the environment.  

Chapter 1, Air + Atmosphere introduces and explores the conceptual framing of the studio’s agenda. The chapter explores air across its array of diverse terms, through their disparities of meaning, contrasting modes of perception, and diverse ways of understanding. From international politics, science and climatology, to local cultures and lived experiences of weather. 

Chapter 2, Cartographic Imaginaries reflects on the development of the studio's use of mapping and cartographic methodologies, from the planetary scales of meteorological computing, to the localised impacts of climate change. The chapter covers more experimental explorations of data, informing new aerial approaches to site planning and strategic spatial design configurations. Mapping here is introduced as a design research method, a data-driven analytical tool, and a multi-scaled and temporal representational medium.

Chapter 3, Simulations introduces the use of the computational simulation tools (CFD), in attempts to capture and describe the complexities of air dynamics and behaviours across scales, space and time. From environmental simulations, geometrical optimisations to interactive modelling – the chapter outlines the use and calibration of digital simulation in practice, its notational history and development, as well as its potential future use in architectural surface exploration and artefact. Fluid simulations offer new aerial design methods for the development of architectural form, material investigations and detailing.

Chapter 4, Archives outlines architecture’s potential role in recording, preserving and managing climatic information, registering volumes of air through various layers in flux, to create physical marks of memory and visualise new conditions of space. This chapter presents a series of student proposals, as well as other creative approaches developed by the studio to document, archive and utilise the generated content through various visual assemblies, to expand collaboration and multi-disciplinary dialogues.

Chapter 5, Beyond Studio reflects on the studio’s pedagogical approach, told through contributions from past students who have each carved their own path into alternative modes of spatial practice, founded and building upon the studios’ unique methodologies and thinking. The chapter highlights a network of intersecting fields, delving into broader themes such as sustainability, digital innovation, ethical practice, and design’s evolving role as an agent of care.

The third trajectory is composed of an extensive array of student work, of various scales, programmes and detail. These range from strategic masterplans, retrofit schemes, micro interventions and quasi-infrastructural proposals, intended to allow for a more rapid perusal. Developed through a minimum of a seven-month period, these pages represent a sample of essential ideas describing air as a medium of design, research engagement and spatial enquiry.