Article review

Aspects of Mechanization in design: the rise, evolution and impact of mechanics in architecture by A. Tzonis.
From: http://www.bk.tudelft.nl/dks/publications/online%20publications/1980-HPS-Aspects%20of%20Mechanization.htm

This article mainly focuses on discussing the relationships between architecture and machine and impact of mechanics in architecture. Mechanization is defined as the use of machines to replace manual labor or assist human’s muscular required work. It is applied in architecture in early centuries. For example, Alberti's built-in piping system that allowed the owner of the house to eavesdrop in every room and Hero of Alexandria's steam-operated automatically opening temple door. Even now mechanization still plays a significant role in architecture. One of famous ideas developed from it is that building could be treated as a machine. This idea is contrast to the older theory of architecture in human approaches which is based on human’s body proportion and viewed a building as a breathing body and not as an inanimate object. Mechanization gives a great strike to traditional architecture idea. However, nowadays, it is seen as the agents of evil which had dehumanized the man-made environment and is considered as a method for massively production and construction only. In conclusion, although the mechanization may destroy the identity of city, it is still a catalyst in the creation of a new methodology in design and gives a new philosophy of construction and planning of buildings.