Concrete Geometries

‘Concrete Geometries’ is a research initiative at the Architectural Association School of Architecture investigating the intimate relationship between spatial form and human processes - be they social or aesthetic - and the variety of new material entities this relationship might provoke. By bringing together art, architecture, sciences and humanities, the cluster aims to provide a platform beyond disciplinary boundaries. ‘Concrete Geometries’ is directed by Marianne Mueller and Olaf Kneer.

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Over the past decade architecture has witnessed a revolution in design and fabrication tools available to the discipline that has changed the way we imagine space forever. Digital design methods for form finding and implementing have produced an influential body of work, preoccupied with the development of novel, complex and heterogeneous spatial form. This form, simply referred to as ‘geometry’, is often evaluated through performance driven issues focusing on the environmental and structural parameters that shape it. Yet, the emergence of new spatial forms and with them new architectural styles, bear significance beyond technology but in relation to what they offer to the human condition in terms of aesthetic and social processes.

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‘Concrete Geometries’ is a work-in-progress term derived from the notion of ‘concrete’ as existing in reality or actual experience and ‘geometries’ as an abbreviation for spatial form. ‘Concrete Geometries’ investigates the intimate relationship between spatial form and human processes, whether social or aesthetic, and the variety of new material entities this relationship might provoke. Like Concrete Science, Music or Art, ‘Concrete Geometries’ is interested in the particular and immediate, concerned with actual use or practice. 

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How does spatial form choreograph human processes? Can it stimulate emotional or behavioural responses or create particular aesthetic experiences? Can social cultures be patterned through formal configurations of space? How can the articulation of a space support acts of inhabitation, appropriation or other types of direct engagement? What kind of associations emerge between spatial form and social actors? 

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To advance this research, the cluster started its work by launching an internal and interdisciplinary call for submissions providing practical or theoretical contribution. The material drawn from this call forms the basis for future events: an exhibition, a symposium and a publication are all part of an unfolding process of research addressing the issue of spatial form in social and aesthetic processes from different angles.