The 2 Faces of Animation

   As described by this week's authors, animation can be used in at least two different ways in architecture.  Bury gives a straight-forward explanation of this in his article, describing that the first way is by showing a "walk through" of the structure.  This is the most common way animation is used in architecture.  All authors seem to agree that while this might be the most common use of animation in architecture it is not the most useful.  Instead, animation should be used to enhance the design process.  Bury describes this as using animation "at a conceptual level...as a device in architectural design...as part of an iterative design generation or as an evaluation procedure."
    Spiller goes one step further and says that animation isn't currently used correctly in architecture and should be abandoned until either the technology is made with architects in mind as the primary user.  He explains that by using animation as a walk-through device takes away from the creative process of architectural design and until this second way of using animation becomes prevalent in the architectural design process architects should stick to drawing their designs.  In my opinion he does seem to admit however that if used correctly, animation could enhance the design process but we as architects aren't there yet.  Reinforcing the ideas of Bury, he seems to agree that if animation is used as a creative, iterative method in the design process it could be beneficial.
    Hensel explains a similar thing but in a different way.  He gives examples in architecture about how animation has been used correctly, most notably his example about the design of the time capsule.  He explains that "because the capsules would be subjected to forces of transience and change, their destiny would be unpredictable.  Rather than prescribing control and monumentality, the project engaged the processes of time that motivated its conception."
   While I mainly concur with the authors, I am more of the belief that each use of animation has its place.  The first method, described as the "walk-through" method of animation, is useful when the architect has to portray the final design of the structure to the construction managers.  A more fancy version of the first method can be produced to "wow" the public or client, in hopes that they will approve of the project.  This may include the "appearing" of the structure or showing the structure bursting out of the ground.  A more eye catching, film like version of animation for the appropriate audience can be beneficial as well as the more dull, detailed description version of animation may be beneficial for construction.  The second method also has its place, integrated in the design process for architects.  I agree that using animation in this fashion can greatly add to the creativity of the design for architects, allowing for more unique structures that can be focused on the potential uses for its inhabitants.  As can be seen in our class, I believe that architecture is picking up on this method of use for animation and that we will begin to seen animation being used in the architectural design process of more and more structures in our society.

Al Hamra, Kuwait

Museo Guggenheim, Spain

HSB Turning Torso, Sweden