Ornament and Technology

Through a close reading of 20th century practices of the decorative , this course examines contemporary interests in digital fabrication relative to the historically complex relationship between technology and the production of ornament. The seminar will survey the history of ornament from 1851 to the present in order to identify various definitions of the term (from notions of the joys of handicraft, to associations with excess, deceit and sin) and to examine a series of diverse case studies (from architectural projects to wallcoverings, textiles, fashion, graphic and furniture design). The intention is to outline the potential for digital fabrication to contribute to renewed considerations of ornament today, exploring strategies of figuration, organization, technique, and application to which these technologies readily lend themselves. The course will begin with a series of weekly readings presentations and case study analyses, gradually identifying the current discourse on ornament and possible new trajectories. Subsequent material investigations using in-house CNC fabrication resources will serve to clarify student positions relative to this discourse, and to define new territory for the confluence of ornament and technology in contemporary architectural practice. The course will culminate in a final design project and presentation. Limited enrollment.