Cybernetic Spectres: Echoes of Digital Architecture

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Winter Semester 2026-27
    Applied Theories / Angewandte Theorien
    Seminar Workshop, 3 CPS

Digital tools, digital infrastructures, and computational thinking have transformed key aspects of architectural design. Digital processes now shape the role of the architect, the representation of design and the built environment itself. 

Looking at the histories of planning software and its aesthetic implications, this research seminar explores the ways in which computation has shaped and transformed architectural design. Conceived as a collective research process, the seminar combines close readings and discussions of key texts and projects with individual research on the actors and infrastructures of digital design. Together, we will create a map of significant projects, ideas, and networks that traces the histories and futures of the digital in architecture. 

Course Goals:

(a) learn relevant perspectives and theories of software studies, technology studies and their relevance within architectural discourse.

(b) apply theoretical framing for material case studies of software and technology development in Architecture

(c) synthesize research into a visual and textual outcome using architectural and artistic research methods




13.10.26

    Info-Session
        a. thematic text selection
        b. research project selection
    
05.11.26

    Workshop Day 1
    12:00-18:00   

        Text Presentations
           a. “The Architectural Relevance of Cybernetics,” Gordon Pask (1969)
           b. “The Organizational Complex,” Reinhold Martin (1998)

        Guest Lecture
           + discussion

        Student Research Presentations

06.11.26
    
    Workshop Day 2
   
11:00-17:00

        Text Presentations
           c. “Diagrammatic Abstractions,” Anna Ulak (2023)
           d. “The Architectural relevance of Cybernetics,” Jon Frazer (1994)   

    Operative Visuality Presentation
        + discussion

    Research Mapping Workshop

07.11.26

    Workshop Day 3
   
11:00-16:00

        Text Presentations
           e. “On Software,” Wendy Hui Kyong Chun (2004)
           f. “The Cybernetic Hypothesis,” Alaxander R. Galloway (2014)    

    Writing Workshop

    Publication Layout Presentation  

08.12.26

    Wrap-up Session
        a. publication outcomes
        b. course reflections