Prototype Development within Architecture

A PhD project by Jonas Runberger

The PhD project Prototype Development within Architecture
The PhD is design driven, partly based on case studies in the form of experimental design projects developed within the research and design collective Krets and elsewhere. The PhD project studies new technologies and techniques within design processes and the production of architecture, especially in relation to collaborative models. These techniques are considered to be a vital part of the practice of architecture, and very potential for the establishment of a critical, continuous internal development of the mode of operation for any architectural practice. The research is driven by design projects of different scales and contexts. Specific aspects of architectural design processes are formulated, tested and evaluated within this framework. Key elements within the design process are targeted, through their impact on social, cultural and technological aspects.

The recently completed licentiate thesis can be read on-line here.

The continuous tool for this investigation is the prototype, which operates as a base for collective work, a probe, a tool for communication and an archive. It is not necessarily a physical artifact, but can also exist as a system or a set of rules. It is important that the prototype becomes a protocol for communication between collaborating interests in the design process. The definition of the term prototype is continuously refined during the course of the project, informed by design processes in the case studies, but also by surveys of other fields. Of particular interest are the methods of prototyping within product development and transportation design, frequently referred to as innovative processes as opposed to specification driven and problem solving processes.

The licentiate thesis Architectural Prototypes: Modes of Design Development and Architectural Practice
The licentiate thesis is divided into two parts; the Contexts book and the Projects book. The two books are intertwined through a system of references, and are meant to be read together. The Contexts book explores contemporary discourses within the field of digital and projective design and new forms of architectural practice. The Projects book is based in design projects developed by the Jonas Runberger, often in collaboration with other architects, and traces a discourse based on advanced parametric design methods and architectural effects.

The licentiate thesis will be defended on September 30th, 15.00, room F3, KTH School of Architecture. Opponent will be Michael Speaks (PhD, Dean College of Design, University of Kentucky).

The thesis design and format has been developed in collaboration with Ummocrono, where Nina Wollner has designed and produced the two books.

The licentiate thesis can be read on-line here, with both books displayed in an html framset. If you have any problems accessing the material please email jonas(at)runberger.net.

Previous events

FINAL SEMINAR FOR LICENTIATE THESIS
Title: Prototype Development within Architecture
Date: Monday April 21st 2008
Time: kl 9:30-12:00
Location: room A3, KTH School of Architecture, Östermalmsg 26
Respondent: Jonas Runberger
Opponent: Michael Speaks, PhD, Dean College of Design, University of Kentucky
Main advisor: Docent Katja Grillner (Director of Research and PhD-studies KTH-A)
Co-advisors: Ulrika Karlsson (Servo/KTH), Tim Anstey (Lecturer in Architecture, University of Bath)
(previous seminar was based on the text part of the thesis, this seminar includeded text and project part)

ADVANCED SEMINAR FOR LICENTIATE THESIS
Title: PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN ARCHITECTURE
Date: February 6th
Time: kl 9:00-12:00
Location: room A1, Arkitekturskolan, Östermalmsg 26
Respondent: Jonas Runberger
Opponent: Dr Fredrik Nilsson, Chalmers/Utvecklingschef White Arkitekter.
Main advisor: Docent Katja Grillner (Director of Research and PhD-studies KTH-A)
Co-advisors: Ulrika Karlsson (Servo/KTH), Tim Anstey (Lecturer in Architecture, University of Bath)

	The PhD project Prototype Development within Architecture The PhD is design driven, partly based on case studies in the form of experimental design projects developed within the research and design collective Krets and elsewhere. The PhD project studies new technologies and techniques within design processes and the production of architecture, especially in relation to collaborative models. These techniques are considered to be a vital part of the practice of architecture, and very potential for the establishment of a critical, continuous internal development of the mode of operation for any architectural practice. The research is driven by design projects of different scales and contexts. Specific aspects of architectural design processes are formulated, tested and evaluated within this framework. Key elements within the design process are targeted, through their impact on social, cultural and technological aspects. The recently completed licentiate thesis can be read on-line here.
The continuous tool for this investigation is the prototype, which operates as a base for collective work, a probe, a tool for communication and an archive. It is not necessarily a physical artifact, but can also exist as a system or a set of rules. It is important that the prototype becomes a protocol for communication between collaborating interests in the design process. The definition of the term prototype is continuously refined during the course of the project, informed by design processes in the case studies, but also by surveys of other fields. Of particular interest are the methods of prototyping within product development and transportation design, frequently referred to as innovative processes as opposed to specification driven and problem solving processes. The licentiate thesis Architectural Prototypes: Modes of Design Development and Architectural Practice The licentiate thesis is divided into two parts; the Contexts book and the Projects book. The two books are intertwined through a system of references, and are meant to be read together. The Contexts book explores contemporary discourses within the field of digital and projective design and new forms of architectural practice. The Projects book is based in design projects developed by the Jonas Runberger, often in collaboration with other architects, and traces a discourse based on advanced parametric design methods and architectural effects. The licentiate thesis will be defended on September 30th, 15.00, room F3, KTH School of Architecture. Opponent will be Michael Speaks (PhD, Dean College of Design, University of Kentucky). The thesis design and format has been developed in collaboration with Ummocrono, where Nina Wollner has designed and produced the two books. The licentiate thesis can be read on-line here, with both books displayed in an html framset. If you have any problems accessing the material please email jonas(at)runberger.net. Previous events FINAL SEMINAR FOR LICENTIATE THESIS Title: Prototype Development within Architecture Date: Monday April 21st 2008 Time: kl 9:30-12:00 Location: room A3, KTH School of Architecture, Östermalmsg 26 Respondent: Jonas Runberger Opponent: Michael Speaks, PhD, Dean College of Design, University of Kentucky Main advisor: Docent Katja Grillner (Director of Research and PhD-studies KTH-A) Co-advisors: Ulrika Karlsson (Servo/KTH), Tim Anstey (Lecturer in Architecture, University of Bath) (previous seminar was based on the text part of the thesis, this seminar includeded text and project part) ADVANCED SEMINAR FOR LICENTIATE THESIS Title: PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN ARCHITECTURE Date: February 6th Time: kl 9:00-12:00 Location: room A1, Arkitekturskolan, Östermalmsg 26 Respondent: Jonas Runberger Opponent: Dr Fredrik Nilsson, Chalmers/Utvecklingschef White Arkitekter. Main advisor: Docent Katja Grillner (Director of Research and PhD-studies KTH-A) Co-advisors: Ulrika Karlsson (Servo/KTH), Tim Anstey (Lecturer in Architecture, University of Bath)