History of Form*Z

Rating:
Summary: Form Follows Software
Review: "History of Form*Z" is one of the first attempts to place design software in the context of history. Pierluigi Serraino, both a theorist and a designer, is able to offer a unique perspective into the theoretical implications that software plays in the world of design today and its historical significance. While it has long been suspected that computer software may affect or dictate design decisions, this book offers a glimpse into the academic and practical implications, effects, and repercussions of such possibility. Rather than simply describing the pros and cons of a software package, Pierluigi attempts to take a step further and address the phenomenon of "formziness" and its effect in the built form, a courageous and pioneering effort. Highly recommended for students, instructors, and practitioners.

Rating:
Summary: Form Follows Software
Review: "History of Form*Z" is one of the first attempts to place design software in the context of history. Pierluigi Serraino, both a theorist and a designer, is able to offer a unique perspective into the theoretical implications that software plays in the world of design today and its historical significance. While it has long been suspected that computer software may affect or dictate design decisions, this book offers a glimpse into the academic and practical implications, effects, and repercussions of such possibility. Rather than simply describing the pros and cons of a software package, Pierluigi attempts to take a step further and address the phenomenon of "formziness" and its effect in the built form, a courageous and pioneering effort. Highly recommended for students, instructors, and practitioners.

Rating:
Summary: Tools Make the Man
Review: Computer software to assist architects in their design processes has been commercially available for more than twenty years, yet few architects give any serious thought to the ways in which their use of software as a design tool and as a medium of expression/representation influences the design product (as well as process). Pierluigi Serraino, a USA-based practitioner in the European tradition of "architect as public intellectual," has undertaken such an analysis in this slender but provocative book. Don't be put off by the product-specific title -- this study is not about software so much as it is a book of profound insight into the relationships among man, machine and "D"esign. Highly recommended. -- Jerry Laiserin, Editor, The LaiserinLetter(tm)