Publications / 1986 Proceedings of the 3rd ISARC, Marseille, France

Ditching the Dinosaur Sanctuary : Seventeen Years on

C. Abel
Pages 436-448 (1986 Proceedings of the 3rd ISARC, Marseille, France, ISSN 2413-5844)
Abstract:

In his paper, 'Ditching the dinosaur sanctuary' (Architectural Design, Aigust 1969), the author brought architects' attention to the computerized, flexible production machinery then being introduced into the machine tool and other industries. Similar production technology, the author had argued, could in principle be used to revolutionize the building industry, doing away with the need for standardization, and negating many of the ideological assumptions underlying the industrialized building movement.

The author reviews his original prognosis in the light of changes in architectural theory and practise in the intervening period, and recent advances in building technology. The application of computerized machinery in the production of comporents for the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank headquarters is described as a major breakthrough in purpose-made industrialized building. The use of such 'smart' tools, it is claimed, heralds a new union of craft and industry.

The author concludes, nevertheless, that the potential of the new building technology may not be fulfilled unless parallel changes are undertaken in architectural practise and education, bringing both more into line with practises in industrial design.

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