DeLanda Readings

DeLanda's quest to make a case for modeling software finds its roots in Deleuzian theory. In his text, DeLanda describes Deleuze's attempt to change the dominant philosophy of the genesis of form. However, what struck me as being extremely helpful in seeing the transition from 'the world of obedient rigid polygons' to our current design philosophies was DeLanda's explaination and analysis of embryological development. In embryological developement, an egg is initially very simple. Through phase transitions, the relatively simple egg becomes more and more complex. As DeLanda elegantly phrased it, 'the genes guide but do not command the final form.' This same process must be undertaken when using algorithmic tools. One begins with a relatively simple set of instructions [this brings to mind the transition from a simple A B set that we discussed in class, to the complex patterns that would eventually form] and by following those instructions a complexity based on intensive properties begins to form. This seemly banal analogy between the embroyological process and architectural developement was an eye opener for me. I guess DeLanda was right when he stated that 'they [architects and engineers] will have to become egg designers.'