Computational technologies in architecture and textile tectonics

Introduction of the concept of "computation" into architecture, turned design into a complex process which has many parameters and variables. Rather than designing one object, design itself needs to be designed. At this point, our way of utilizing digital media is being transformed from searching for a visual expression of a design object which begun to be shaped already in designer's mind; into integrating man's creativity, manipulative abilities and computers' power of calculation. As mathematics and geometry knowledge is integrated into architecture and the use of relational geometry and algorithms in architecture increases; the concept of tectonic, which is described by joint, detail and material, is becoming a substantial field of research through improving technology. Textile tectonics searches origin of architectural production practices in textile-like flowing systems instead of structural frame. The system it seeks analyzes the relationship of part-whole in micro scale and foresees that this relationship defines space in macro scale. Textile tectonics is rediscovered by designers as computational technologies in architecture are improved and developed a new understanding of design and production process in architecture. This concept needs to be researched for because of the systematical way of thinking on micro and macro scale relationality it enhances. This thesis aims to trace back the literature on textile tectonics in architecture for to develop an understanding for current debates, and to investigate how it evolved in its relations with computational technologies in architecture.