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Dealing with Information, Complex Dynamics and Organizations: Notes on Architecture, Systems Research and Computational Sciences

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Architecture, Systems Research and Computational Sciences

Part of the book series: Nexus Network Journal ((NNJ,volume 14,1))

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Abstract

Similarities can certainly be found between systems research and computational sciences, and architecture and design. The first pair deals with information, complex dynamics and organizations; the second pair is often understood as synthetic and systemic. Postwar history recalls a sequence of exchanges between these fields; the aim of this paper is to highlight the relevance of some exchanges and their contemporary legacy. In this connection, the first part briefly outlines the meaning and history of the former disciplines, highlighting the strict circular models and how first-order cybernetics evolved towards a second order. The second part points to some exchanges between systems research, computational sciences and art forms, as well as to its architectural legacy. To a large extent, the current architectural interest in new sciences of emergence and complexity is rooted in the early systems research approach. Both areas are possible root sources of a future, effective built environment.

Gonçalo Furtado graduated in architecture (Oporto University, Portugal), earned a Master’s in architecture (UPC, Spain), and a Ph.D. in theory and history of architecture (UCL, England). He has won prizes such as the “Florêncio de Carvalho Award” (1999), a “Highly Commended-paper” at the last World Organisation of Systems and Cybernetics, and scholarships from the FCT and the Luso-British Foundation. Furtado teaches in the Master and Ph.D. programs at Oporto University and ing the master’s program in industrial design of FEUP. He has been involved in the organization of many events and exhibitions, and has lectured in Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, Brazil, Poland, Germany, Colombia, Austria, Mexico, Germany and Austria. His publications include Arquitectura: Prótese do Corpo (Furtado et al., eds., 2002); Architecture and Information Society (Furtado and Braz, eds., 2002); Notes on the Space of Digital Technique (2002); Marcos Cruz: Unpredictable Flesh (2004); Off Fourm: Postglobal City and Marginal Design Discourses (Furtado and Hernandez, eds., 2004); Interferencias: Conformação, Implementação e Futuro da Cultura Digital (2005); The Construction of the Critical Project (2005); Architecture: Machine and Body (Furtado and Braz, eds., 2006); Generator and Beyond: Encounters of Cedric Price and John Frazer (2008).

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  1. School of Architecture, Oporto University, Rua do Gólgota 215, 4150, Porto, Portugal

    Gonçalo Furtado

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Furtado, G. (2012). Dealing with Information, Complex Dynamics and Organizations: Notes on Architecture, Systems Research and Computational Sciences. In: Williams, K. (eds) Architecture, Systems Research and Computational Sciences. Nexus Network Journal, vol 14,1. Birkhäuser, Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-0393-9_2

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