Building technology as a design informant in the architecture of Peter Rich

Abstract

A dynamic interaction between building technology and design, formed by various contextual influences and human endeavors, can facilitate a spectrum of practice-related relationships. The point at which these relationships are established during the design process, along with the roles of the creator and maker, determines the technology’s form-making potential and exploratory nature. This study employs a theoretical framework to critically analyze the application, location, and role of technology as a design informant in selected examples of the work of internationally awarded South African Architect Peter Rich. Although his work serves as an example of the wide-ranging approaches to technology, in the third- and first-world setting of South Africa, a deeper understanding of technology’s role as an informant in architectural production can help establish design approaches that enable technology to drive proactive change in architectural practice across multiple contexts.