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Arch Combinatoria

Part 2 Dissertation 2015
Natalie Gall
University of Greenwich | UK
Combinatorial systems are technical systems which use mathematic principles to explore all combinations in order to expand our knowledge.

Permutational procedures were particularly studied in ‘The Art of Memory’ by Frances Yates, 1966. Memory systems such as those of Cicero, Giordano Bruno, Ramon Llull, were based on the use of loci and images to strengthen our artificial memory.

This thesis investigates examples that suggest that these same tactics used to recall memory, have been re-appropriated into new systems of logic today. These systems have transformed from mystical methods using as¬tronomy and religion to seek universal truths, to new methods of working that exercise logic, invention and play as an aid to exploring finite or infinite combinations that assist the invention of ideas.

The aim of this thesis is to speculate on the use of the combinatorial system as a method for liberating design within architecture. This consequently involved the design of a new combinato¬rial wheel, documented within this thesis, based on previous combinatorial examples researched as precedent. This thesis also documents the testing of the proposed model on an architectural design project, inspired by ‘The Hearing Trumpet by Leonora Carrington, to assess its success as a model for architectural invention.

Natalie Gall

Tutor(s)
Neil Spiller
2015
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