Sharing hidden power - Communicating latency in digital models

Abstract

As digital spatial models take on the complex relationships inherent in a lattice of dependencies and variables, how easy is it to fully comprehend and communicate the underlying structure and logical subtext of the architectural model: the metadesign? The design of a building, the relationships between a host of different attributes and performances was ever a complex system. Now the models, the representations, are in the early stages of taking on more of that complexity and reflexivity. How do we share and communicate these modelling environments or work on them together? This paper explores the issue through examples from one particular associative geometry model constructed as research to underpin the collaborative design development of the narthex of the Passion Façade on the west transept of Gaudi’s Sagrada Família church, part of the building which is now in the early stages of construction.