The Flatwriter by Yona Friedman: Review, Development and Possibilities in the Digital Age

Abstract

Yona Friedman developed an architectural theory through a scientific methodology, on which he will base a set of procedures, techniques, and systems whose aim is to radically transform the role of the architect and the user in the architectural design process. Friedman's theories in the publication 'Towards a scientific architecture' propose a new model of urbanism based on decision-making and self-determination of the city inhabitant, which are condensed in the machine called Flatwriter. With this software, the user could choose his or her habitat from a repertoire created by the architect or town planner and insert it into the city. This article explores the possible present-day implementation and development of Yona Friedman's theories on architecture by testing and reprogramming the Flatwriter with current means. To do so, we use current methods of graphic representation and visual programming, such as Rhinoceros and grasshopper 3D, with the aim of checking whether these theories of user empowerment have a place with the graphic and design methods that are available to us today. The methodology used test the viability the theories of Friedman´s method in the field of architectural programming, with the purpose of achieving the objective of the Flatwriter: the free choice of a spatial organization, within a pre-established system that rigorously contains all possibilities without exception. In this paper it will be provided an overview of the developed method, aiming at a theoretical approach to the issue from Generation and Parametric Design.