Patterns of Interaction

This chapter looks more closely at the process of contextual figuration through the lens of computational design thinking. This design thinking is characterized by the articulation of flexible relationships between entities, often denominated as topological diagrams. It is argued that these diagrams not only govern the use of the contextual data but are organized as a nearly decomposable web of diagrams. From a system theory perspective, this web of diagrams is embedded in the web of laws of nature. That means architecture is inscribed into its natural surroundings as a manmade extension. With such an understanding, computational design intentionally shifts away from the design of objects, of elements of consumption of environmental resources, towards the design of interrelationships—of interactions with the environment. The design of architecture, of cities, and of landscapes and territories is not about the mere enhancing of environments, it is about building environments themselves.