Evolutionary Functionalism: a Study of the Complexity of Function Directed by Human Use and Behavior

Abstract

This thesis is a catalogue of ideas, objects, and designs that are all connected with one over arching concept developed through out the academic thesis: evolutionary functionalism. Evolution as a model can be applied to the design process through the exploration of the existing functions of spaces, objects, and other man made phenomena; hence, evolutionary functionalism. The experiments documented in this thesis attempt to apply this theory through architectural process. The function of a designed entity is subject to certain external environmental pressures, primarily human expectations and use. The form and function of objects has developed throughout history based on a variety of pressures, which will be explored throughout this thesis. Objects evolve by the hand of the designer as they respond to these pressures. Designers can recognize these pressures as an opportunity for innovation, to encourage a design to evolve more relative to its environment and function. This thesis is a theoretical foundation for this concept that explores its application for designers, curators, and all those that exist in a world of man made “entities”. The product is an extensive research based process, not a conclusive space or guideline, and a theoretical foundation for practical application towards designing for human use. The foundation for this concept was created through experimentation, which in this case means that hypotheses were tested without a clear, direct goal, and instead initiated through questioning. That is to say the project did not lack control, but that the project naturally developed through unanticipated exploration, intentionally. The final product is not known, the method is not known, and the results are not known. What emerges is a pattern, or logical connection between man made space and things and their relation to the human condition. The unpredictable nature of the process leads to further theoretical development, as it causes the hidden qualities of spaces, objects, and concepts to naturally reveal themselves. Therefore, the product, this book, may appear to be a collection of seemingly sporadic investigations, but is really the result of the process creating a certain complexity that allows for patterns and realizations to emerge. For this reason the process develops chronologically, meaning one can trace why events occurred and how they effected other decisions, but the results are not linear. Tracing this project would not result in a simple, easily interpreted path. So, how does one speak about the development of an idea with such a complex path? By traveling the path chronologically, but not linearly, interpreting the investigations and their apparent meaning or observed phenomena, and exposing the complexity of every decision which wove the next step of investigations. When continuing beyond this page, note this process and how it has influenced this snapshot of a final product. A process in constant flux, morphing with every new discovery, is difficult to capture. This project continues forever, asking more questions, clarifying more details, adding more complexity, but this is where it ended for this academic thesis, in this time and place. Reflect on this thesis as a foundation to an impermanent end, and an introduction to the introduction of the future of design thinking.