DICHOTOMY 26: SOFT
The concept of softness can be an amusing thought-experiment as it relates to architecture, urbanism and community development. The human mind can wander and imagine the possibilities of buildings made up of bizarre materials and malleable structures, living cities which utilize technology to reverse the effects of pollution, or floating structures which re-imagine what dwelling could be like on Earth in a hundred years.
Contributors:
Ujijji Davis Williams: A SOFT WELCOME
Soft Treats: THE ORIGINAL SUPERMAN
XYX Lab: SOFT NARRATIVES AND HARD DATA
Soft Treats: DETROIT WATER ICE FACTORY
AN INTERVIEW WITH DAVID SIM OF SOFTER
Soft Treats: TREAT DREAMS
Joe Dahmen: SOFT MATTER: RESPONSIVE ARCHITECTURAL OPERATIONS
Soft Treats: ICE CREAM LA MICHOACANA
Sarida Scott: FROM ACHILLIES’ HEEL TO TROJAN HORSE: RETHINKING THE ROLE OF “SOFT” IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Soft Treats: MISTER DIPS
Claudia Bernasconi, Libby Balter Blume: SOFT APPROACHES FOR ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
Soft Treats: MILK & FROTH
Featured Student Work
Soft Treats: COLD TRUTH
Dan Pitera: FROM THE DEAN’S DESK: A.I. ARCHITECTURE + IMPACT
The articles in this issue frame the concept of softness as more than a thing of abstract imagination. Rather, softness questions conventional approaches and proves to be a legitimate pathway to improve existing systems and modes of communication, to achieve greater success in education, to encourage sustainability on a world-wide scale, among many other advancements. Softness is present in not only the seven invited articles, but also through the short and tasteful narratives written by the 2022- 2023 Dichotomy team, titled “Soft Treats,” which are found after each chapter in this issue.
Team:
Editor: Mona R Makki
Business Manager: Odette Giorgees
Co-Editors: Caris Heminger, Nikita Thomas
Communications Director: Sumer Hazime
Social Media Director: Cameron Case
Website Director: Jack Lavigne
Staff: Manjola Bali, Dakota Cambell, Noah Field
Faculty Advisors: Claudia Bernasconi, Enrique Ledesma