Métodos diagramáticos: origens e usos no projecto arquitectónico contemporâneo

Abstract

This study hints to discuss the potential and significance of the use of diagrams in the design of contemporary architecture. It regards an analysis of how the instrument and the diagrammatic process evolved from the synthesis and systematization to the complexity and generation. Understanding not only its conceptual and creative assertion it alsos approaches possible parallels with techno-scientific, philosophical and cultural paradigms. First, it adresses how the diagram entered the architectural discourse during the first half of the 20th century. Exposing the cultural framework in wich the theme falls, differet historical, artistic, scientific and technological reactions are observed. Discussing its early uses and meanings in Architecture the main theorists and architects of its generative application are identified. Analysing possible relationships between pratice and theory, it is observed a contemporary interest in review the traditional multidisciplinarity os Architecture. Being identified the concepts and meanings related to It, it is also explained the possible complicities of the of the new digital systems of production in its development. Subsequently, a summary of practical cases of study wich apply to diagrammatic methods in design and representation of the project is built. Trying to decode analytically its method and its projectual contingencies, some meanings and characteristic concepts of their proposals are extracted. From an initial, experimental and conceptual perception it is observed how the diagrammatic practice labelled as an analogical instrument became associated with a digital process. Consequently, it appears that the several cases of study use them in various ways and that despite their multiplicities it is possible to identify different contemporary patterns of pragmatic and conceptual application. Finally, it is carefully considered the importance of its legacy, and identifiednot only their virtues and potentialities but also possible risks and damages for contemporary architectural practice. It is interpreted how diagrammatic systems call for the expansion of creativity and analysed their conjectures. Summarizing its concepts and meanings it is still denoted a change in its initial applications and apologies.