How do you define Order and Chaos? What is Entropy? And how is it related to Architecture? This CrossOver aims at exploring Entropy in Architecture through answering these questions.
PART 1: CHAOS AND ORDER
In Informal 2007, Cecil Balmond writes: “When we attempt to trap chaos and convert it to our preconceptions, Order becomes an enormous effort. We try to eliminate fault or error. We try hard but the effort turns to dullness and the heavy formal”.
“The more subtle approach is to seek the notion that chaos is a mix of several states of order. What is an improvisation is in fact a kernel of stability, which in turn sets sequences that reach equilibrium”.
PART 2: ENTROPY IN THERMODYNAMICS
In thermodynamics, Entropy is a measure of disorder; or the many ways in which a given system can be reorganised. The more organised things are, the lower their state of entropy is. According to the 2nd law of thermodynamics, entropy of an isolated system cannot decrease as function of time.
PART 3: ENTROPY IN ARCHITECTURE
Copyright Maya Alam, Check: http://mayaalam.com/On-entropy-in-Architecture.
In architecture, entropy goes beyond measuring disorder to understanding architecture in relation to time. Entropy is the slow, steady and unavoidable decay of our lives.
“On the whole I would say entropy contradicts the usual notion of a mechanistic world view. In other words it’s a condition that’s irreversible. It’s condition that’s moving towards a gradual equilibrium and it’s suggested in many ways”. Robert Smithson
Retrieved from: http://www.robertsmithson.com/essays/entropy.htm
