Archinect's Lexicon focuses on newly invented (or adopted) vocabulary within the architectural community. For this installment, we're featuring a term that was recently presented in an Archinect feature article on the architectural implications of generative AI tools such as Midjourney and DALL-E.
"Semanticism" is a term used within the realms of architecture and design, describing the theoretical approach that emphasizes the significant role of semantics, or meaning, in shaping architectural forms. It postulates that the forms and structures within architecture are shaped by their intended meanings and context, aligning with the dictum "form follows meanings." The approach dictates that the study and creation of architecture necessitate the unraveling of the various significations inherent in built forms.
Under the purview of Semanticism, the construction of new architecture corresponds to the crafting of forms that best express a design's intended meanings within its specific context. In this context, the discipline also recognizes the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to aid both the study and creation of architecture, employing models that facilitate the transition between semantically-rich abstractions and contextually appropriate, meaningful architectural forms.
Semanticism holds the potential for various contributions to the architectural field. These include distinction, polysemy, and transposition.
The principle of distinction refers to the objective of differentiating and objectifying the dissimilarities in the built world, mirroring the purpose of semantics in linguistics. AI and statistical learning play crucial roles in making such distinctions more apparent and quantifiable.
Polysemy in Semanticism refers to the acceptance and appreciation of the diverse interpretations and forms within architectural design. AI's multimodality feature — allowing one input to translate into multiple outputs — provides the possibility for a polysemy of architectural forms, enhancing the diversity and richness in the design process.
Transposition emphasizes the impact of contextual factors on architectural forms, similar to how words acquire meaning within linguistic contexts. Semanticism utilizes AI's capability to synthesize shapes that take into account various contextual influences, offering a new, flexible framework for architectural design.
Despite its revolutionary approach, Semanticism acknowledges certain limitations. It doesn't prescribe a specific style but instead facilitates the emergence of styles from its catalyst framework. Additionally, it necessitates the reduction of architectural concepts into clear, yet simplified, descriptions to interface effectively with AI. This often results in a more indirect relationship with the physical, experiential reality of space.
Semanticism also requires a reconfiguration of control within the design process. With AI being a "gray box" model, the control over the design process is initially relinquished but can be gradually regained as architects adapt and retrain models to meet specific needs.
This article is part of the Archinect In-Depth: Artificial Intelligence series.
3 Comments
Is it direct or indirect signification?
In the context of Semanticism as described in the article, signification is both direct and indirect, depending on the aspect under consideration.
Direct signification is evident in how Semanticism emphasizes the role of meaning in shaping architectural forms. It suggests that the forms and structures in architecture are designed to directly signify their intended meanings and contexts. This approach necessitates the study and creation of architecture to unravel the various significations inherent in built forms.
Indirect signification, on the other hand, is seen in how Semanticism acknowledges its limitations. The approach requires the reduction of architectural concepts into clear, yet simplified, descriptions to effectively interface with AI. This often results in a more indirect relationship with the physical, experiential reality of space.
Additionally, Semanticism recognizes the role of AI and statistical learning in enhancing the design process. It appreciates AI's multimodality feature, which allows one input to translate into multiple outputs, providing the possibility for a variety of architectural forms. This capability of AI introduces an element of indirect signification, as the resulting forms may embody a range of interpretations based on the same input.
In summary, Semanticism embraces both direct and indirect signification as it leverages the nuances of meanings and contexts to shape architectural forms while also utilizing AI's capabilities to enable diverse interpretations and forms.
I believe meaning follows form.
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