Digital Imagery and Architecture Explored in the Architectural Education Studio

Abstract

Projecting images on architectural surfaces is as old as architecture itself, arguably even proceeds architecture as it is traced to cave paintings. This phenomena of artificial space (image) within real space (architecture) has evolved in complexity and sophistication over the years, attempting to expand physical presence beyond the immediate space and time. Large glass panels, as they evolved early in the 20th century, blurred the distinction between interior and exterior space, and became, undoubtedly, the most dramatic architectural material of the 20th century. Digital imagery, moving image technology, and projection screens technology emerged late in the 50’s, further enhanced the possibilities of spatial complexity. In the 21st century, accelerating technologies freed the ‘moving-image’ from the confines of the TV and the cinema theater to become a common building material. Digital imagery and projection screens are dominant in contemporary life and culture. Projection screens can be made of almost every size and shape, they are sustainable to weather and light conditions, and can easily portray an endless variety of content. At this point the relationship be tween image and architecture are, most then ever, in need to be questioned and reevaluated. The paper begins by establishing, in architectural terms, the background of the issues surfaced by transparency and projection screen technology. This reality confronts us with new challenges, not the least within the confines of architecture education. It has become essential to develop and research new practices, design problems, and correspondingly relevant design exercises. The paper examines the subject by a case-study of a design exercise developed by the author and conducted with design students over the past several years. The design exercise suggests a framework to experiment with digital imagery and projection screens as a building material. The paper analysis the methodology of the exercise and evaluates its implications and outcomes. The paper concludes with a discussion of some questions and ideas for further discourse into the issue.