Conditional Design: An introduction to elemental architecture

by Anthony di Mari

Conditional design is the sequel to Operative Design. This book will further explore the operative in a more detailed, intentional, and perhaps functional manner. Spatially, the conditional is the result of the operative. It is not a blind result however. Both terms work together to satisfy a formal manipulation through a set of opportunities for elements such as connections and apertures.

Genres: Architecture, Design, Nonfiction

60 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2014

Reviews

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a continuation of the ideas introduced in Operational Design, this volume was more challenging to absorb, at least for me.

Like the first book, this one shows volumes/shapes modified by specific "operations" but then the resulting shapes are modified again by specific "conditions." This was a bit confusing since division between what is an operation and what is a condition seems pretty arbitrary to me.

The only way I found to make sense of it was to remind myself of the cause and effect nature of each diagram, saying: "Because of (operation) this shape can now be (condition).

Perhaps this will all make more sense to someone with an architectural education, but to me it was steep climb.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong follow-up to the earlier book, this ties together the prior formal investigations to site and experience. The new conditions of connection (vertical circulation), ground (exterior planes), and apertures are overlaid onto the geometries of the earlier series. Another one to keep by your work computer.

[Jonah Nees]

Partis/conceptual

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a more useful follow up to Operative Design, di Mari describes a process for designing volumes, connections, and facades in relation to the site. The process description is simple to understand, clearly illustrated, and to the point. In my opinion, the real-world examples could have been better selected and described with clearer connection to the process.

[Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flip through for ideas. Feels like it could be an Oblique Strategy generator: random operation + condition.