Krzysztof Koszewski | Warsaw University of Technology (original) (raw)

Conference Presentations by Krzysztof Koszewski

The issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework of previou... more The issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework of previous CAAD–conferences. Today, an appreciation for traditional attitudes and methods can be observed, but interestingly, a mixture of approaches is also noticeable (computational techniques used in low–tech fabrication environments, for example). This allows for a round–table survey of the current state–of–the–art focused on experiences related to distant learning in the architectural curriculum. To make VDS viable, not only are technological solutions necessary, but so are social (among people) and professional (ways of behavior) ones. In this round–table we aim to identify critical factors of success (or failure).

Papers by Krzysztof Koszewski

Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe)

Proceedings of the 33th International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe) [Volume 2]

Modular Light Cloud is an installation that is conceived to explore the boundaries of architectur... more Modular Light Cloud is an installation that is conceived to explore the boundaries of architecture and art. Its interactivity is a metaphor of mutual influences that derive from activities performed in space-associated with motion, sound and light.It is an experimental project focused on the integration of architectural elements, structure, information technology, performing arts, electronics and digital fabrication in architectural education.The project was completed in a two-week student workshop in collaboration with a contemporary dance artist. The students were taught the basics of parametric design, programming of electronic components and digital fabrication during tutorial classes. The making process combined three stages of development: design, construction and programming of interaction.The final form consists of two irregular spatial trusses made of aluminum profiles connected with 3d printed nodes. The profiles are equipped with LED strips and electronic components: light sensors, sound and communication between them. These systems control the intensity of light emitted by the diodes based on the inputs.The result is a working prototype presented as interactive installation featuring contemporary dance artist. It was displayed at art festivals and other events.

eCAADe proceedings

and archaeologists from Regional Museum of Pultusk. They have undertaken the research issues of i... more and archaeologists from Regional Museum of Pultusk. They have undertaken the research issues of information exchange and knowledge-building processes in the digital environment. Main issues were related to the methods of computer reconstruction in architectural and urban scale, which enable alternative narrative threads. To achieve this, parametric techniques were adopted and the 'Pultusk Recontructor' application was developed in Grasshopper. The interaction between architects and archaeologists over hypotheses and alternatives was supported in urban scale by 'Rapid Reconstruction Modular Model'. This 3D printed urban model, consist of segments which can be simultaneously exchanged. It became not only a substrate for scientific debate, but also may serve an education role for the permanent Museum exhibition.

Abstract. XThe issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework... more Abstract. XThe issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework of previous CAAD–conferences. Today, an appreciation for traditional attitudes and methods can be observed, but interestingly, a mixture of approaches is also noticeable (computational techniques used in low–tech fabrication environments, for example). This allows for a round–table survey of the current state–of–the–art focused on experiences related to distant learning in the architectural curriculum. To make VDS viable, not only are technological solutions necessary, but so are social (among people) and professional (ways of behavior) ones. In this round–table we aim to identify critical factors of success (or failure).

Communications in Computer and Information Science

Journal of Haritage Conservation, Dec 31, 2021

The article presents the issues concerning architectural heritage digital models’ applications in... more The article presents the issues concerning architectural heritage digital models’ applications in conservation practice. These considerations are discussed in the context of the commencement of creating virtual models regarding no-longer-existing historical buildings in the first half of the 1980s. Such models’ applications and possible uses are analyzed within the adopted criteria that distinguish the following model types. Firstly, the popularization, research, and design models can be determined depending on the planned application. Secondly, depending on the status of the modeled object, models related to existing or no-longer existing buildings can be identified. The virtual models potential in the context of cultural heritage societal values is also discussed in the article. In such context, the authors discuss the creation of HBIM (Historic Building Information Modeling) models for conservation activities purposes. The potential of semantically enriched object modeling is indicated based on the example of the Sztorch Tenement in Jarosław, for which a laser scan and its model were prepared.

This paper is based on the experience with creation of a small knowledge base about the between-w... more This paper is based on the experience with creation of a small knowledge base about the between-war architecture of one of the Warsaw districts. Design, as a process of creation, combines processing of procedural and declarative knowledge. There is a vast amount of declarative knowledge of different kinds to be collected even before the design process starts. Advances in ICT (Information and Communications Technologies), particularly in such fi eld as databases, data warehousing and knowledge engineering, make it a lot easier to design complex systems, which will allow to combine procedural and declarative knowledge. We used historic-architectural knowledge as an example of the second kind mentioned here. The sources of this kind of information are dispersed, the data is gathered in various formats, using different standards and for various purposes. Past experiences with creating detailed architectural heritage inventories in Poland led us to a conclusion that such a subject specif...

Traditional ways of an aesthetic expression like hand drawing and renderings, painting and artist... more Traditional ways of an aesthetic expression like hand drawing and renderings, painting and artistic graphics, are now enriched by computer multimedia techniques. The multimedia techniques are used in the Department of Architecture of Warsaw University of Technology for presentation of students’ designs. The connected media, like computer renderings, animations and sound are used to express sophisticated aesthetics intentions by students in their conceptual designs. In the past two years, three inexpensive multimedia editors were tested on PC’s: Tempra Media Author, HSC Interactive and Multimedia Director 4.0. The most convenient, but not excellent, for our purposes was The Tempra Media Author. Several aspects of multimedia presentation were analyzed and some suggestions for the future were done. There are some aspects of the usage of multimedia in presentations in students’ designs: organisation of information allowing for easy and on-line access to the information one needs at the ...

The rapidity of social, economic and cultural change brings new challenges also to the sphere of ... more The rapidity of social, economic and cultural change brings new challenges also to the sphere of architecture. The environment around practitioners of this sensitive and socially responsible profession is undergoing transformations which not only necessitate theoretical and practical response, but also call for redeÞ ning the educational approach. In the present world of challenge, the discourse on the shape of education often requires reß ecting on the condition of architecture as a profession and a discipline. Some of these challenges are addressed in the MSc programme titled Architecture for Society of Knowledge (ASK) as part of Architecture and Urban Planning study curriculum, which is the Þ rst English-language study programme at the Warsaw’s faculty of architecture. On the 1 of October 2010 the Þ rst 24 students in the programme listened to the opening lecture “Performative Architecture” given by Professor Branko Kolarevica. Until now (spring 2014), there have been four recrui...

Virtuality versus reality in the teaching concepts is one of the most important issues in our tra... more Virtuality versus reality in the teaching concepts is one of the most important issues in our traditionally and professionally oriented school. Computer modelling techniques and interactive presentations as a communication media used to express students sophisticated aesthetics intentions in conceptual design are the subject of our peculiar interest. The goal of our study is to find out how students may use virtual tools to communicate the design ideas.

This paper describes the process of cooperation between architects and archaeologists initiated i... more This paper describes the process of cooperation between architects and archaeologists initiated in 2012 and finalized as the virtual reconstruction of the medieval proto-urban site in Pultusk, Poland. The result was a digital model of urban tissue based on parametric methods supported by 3D printing. This paper describes the process of organization of digitized analog data, enriched with experts’ knowledge, which results in a procedural model of the settlement. The effects ended not only with digital and physical 3Dprinted models but also with a set of conclusions confirming the usefulness of such methods in scientific research concerning the interpretation of archaeological relicts in situ, when not all information is available. Both archaeological practice and the process of architectural reconstruction confirm that the reliability of scientific research and the regime of logical reasoning are independent of the technology used. However, they may be effectively supported by new me...

The distribution of information has become an element of heritage conservation policy, as well as... more The distribution of information has become an element of heritage conservation policy, as well as a tool aiming at sustainable use of historic resources, or even a prerequisite of effective conservation. This aspect is very often underestimated and reduced to simple popularization, which consequently oversimplifies such complex mater, what historic site conservation is. The issues described above are addressed by the authors of this article through the project run on behalf of the National Heritage Board (NHB) attempting to place and publish the information on all historic sites’ resources entered in the register of objects of cultural heritage (the heritage register).

This paper describes methods, processes and the outcome of the reconstruction in the medieval woo... more This paper describes methods, processes and the outcome of the reconstruction in the medieval wooden settlement complex in Pultusk, Poland. It is the result of the interdisciplinary cooperation between architects from Warsaw University of Technology and archaeologists from Regional Museum of Pultusk. They have undertaken the research issues of information exchange and knowledge-building processes in the digital environment. Main issues were related to the methods of computer reconstruction in architectural and urban scale, which enable alternative narrative threads. To achieve this, parametric techniques were adopted and the 'Pultusk Recontructor' application was developed in Grasshopper. The interaction between architects and archaeologists over hypotheses and alternatives was supported in urban scale by 'Rapid Reconstruction Modular Model'. This 3D printed urban model, consist of segments which can be simultaneously exchanged. It became not only a substrate for sci...

The paper is focused on selected issues of preliminary education of computer techniques as part o... more The paper is focused on selected issues of preliminary education of computer techniques as part of first semester curriculum at a school of architecture. Teaching methods based on previously known research are tested and explored in a situation of clearly defined constraints: lack of architecture-specific knowledge of the novices and varying levels of their computer skills. The paper is based on three-year experience. Although we are all in the mood of saying: we do not teach software any more, we still have to think how to encourage students to develop their skills in computer techniques to the level that can liberate them from tool-dependence. The aim is to direct them towards task rather than tool oriented actions. Learning while designing causes the design process to be less important than representation. On the other hand, classic software courses are a thing of the far past and are not suited for design-oriented curriculum. There is a need to find alternative ways more suitabl...

XThe issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework of previo... more XThe issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework of previous CAAD–conferences. Today, an appreciation for traditional attitudes and methods can be observed, but interestingly, a mixture of approaches is also noticeable (computational techniques used in low–tech fabrication environments, for example). This allows for a round–table survey of the current state–of–the–art focused on experiences related to distant learning in the architectural curriculum. To make VDS viable, not only are technological solutions necessary, but so are social (among people) and professional (ways of behavior) ones. In this round–table we aim to identify critical factors of success (or failure).

As a discipline, architecture constantly needs to take on new challenges. Currently, a significan... more As a discipline, architecture constantly needs to take on new challenges. Currently, a significant share of them regards presenting architectural ideas in the face of the IT revolution. In this context, it is reasonable to return to the question of why architects (still) draw. What – especially now – really is architectural drawing? What is the array of its unique features like in comparison with computer techniques? What is the unique potential of the latter, and is there a choice between them or are they mutually exclusive? One of the provided answers is to indicate a need for a critical analysis of the methods to present design ideas, regardless of the means used.

The issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework of previou... more The issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework of previous CAAD–conferences. Today, an appreciation for traditional attitudes and methods can be observed, but interestingly, a mixture of approaches is also noticeable (computational techniques used in low–tech fabrication environments, for example). This allows for a round–table survey of the current state–of–the–art focused on experiences related to distant learning in the architectural curriculum. To make VDS viable, not only are technological solutions necessary, but so are social (among people) and professional (ways of behavior) ones. In this round–table we aim to identify critical factors of success (or failure).

Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe)

Proceedings of the 33th International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe) [Volume 2]

Modular Light Cloud is an installation that is conceived to explore the boundaries of architectur... more Modular Light Cloud is an installation that is conceived to explore the boundaries of architecture and art. Its interactivity is a metaphor of mutual influences that derive from activities performed in space-associated with motion, sound and light.It is an experimental project focused on the integration of architectural elements, structure, information technology, performing arts, electronics and digital fabrication in architectural education.The project was completed in a two-week student workshop in collaboration with a contemporary dance artist. The students were taught the basics of parametric design, programming of electronic components and digital fabrication during tutorial classes. The making process combined three stages of development: design, construction and programming of interaction.The final form consists of two irregular spatial trusses made of aluminum profiles connected with 3d printed nodes. The profiles are equipped with LED strips and electronic components: light sensors, sound and communication between them. These systems control the intensity of light emitted by the diodes based on the inputs.The result is a working prototype presented as interactive installation featuring contemporary dance artist. It was displayed at art festivals and other events.

eCAADe proceedings

and archaeologists from Regional Museum of Pultusk. They have undertaken the research issues of i... more and archaeologists from Regional Museum of Pultusk. They have undertaken the research issues of information exchange and knowledge-building processes in the digital environment. Main issues were related to the methods of computer reconstruction in architectural and urban scale, which enable alternative narrative threads. To achieve this, parametric techniques were adopted and the 'Pultusk Recontructor' application was developed in Grasshopper. The interaction between architects and archaeologists over hypotheses and alternatives was supported in urban scale by 'Rapid Reconstruction Modular Model'. This 3D printed urban model, consist of segments which can be simultaneously exchanged. It became not only a substrate for scientific debate, but also may serve an education role for the permanent Museum exhibition.

Abstract. XThe issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework... more Abstract. XThe issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework of previous CAAD–conferences. Today, an appreciation for traditional attitudes and methods can be observed, but interestingly, a mixture of approaches is also noticeable (computational techniques used in low–tech fabrication environments, for example). This allows for a round–table survey of the current state–of–the–art focused on experiences related to distant learning in the architectural curriculum. To make VDS viable, not only are technological solutions necessary, but so are social (among people) and professional (ways of behavior) ones. In this round–table we aim to identify critical factors of success (or failure).

Communications in Computer and Information Science

Journal of Haritage Conservation, Dec 31, 2021

The article presents the issues concerning architectural heritage digital models’ applications in... more The article presents the issues concerning architectural heritage digital models’ applications in conservation practice. These considerations are discussed in the context of the commencement of creating virtual models regarding no-longer-existing historical buildings in the first half of the 1980s. Such models’ applications and possible uses are analyzed within the adopted criteria that distinguish the following model types. Firstly, the popularization, research, and design models can be determined depending on the planned application. Secondly, depending on the status of the modeled object, models related to existing or no-longer existing buildings can be identified. The virtual models potential in the context of cultural heritage societal values is also discussed in the article. In such context, the authors discuss the creation of HBIM (Historic Building Information Modeling) models for conservation activities purposes. The potential of semantically enriched object modeling is indicated based on the example of the Sztorch Tenement in Jarosław, for which a laser scan and its model were prepared.

This paper is based on the experience with creation of a small knowledge base about the between-w... more This paper is based on the experience with creation of a small knowledge base about the between-war architecture of one of the Warsaw districts. Design, as a process of creation, combines processing of procedural and declarative knowledge. There is a vast amount of declarative knowledge of different kinds to be collected even before the design process starts. Advances in ICT (Information and Communications Technologies), particularly in such fi eld as databases, data warehousing and knowledge engineering, make it a lot easier to design complex systems, which will allow to combine procedural and declarative knowledge. We used historic-architectural knowledge as an example of the second kind mentioned here. The sources of this kind of information are dispersed, the data is gathered in various formats, using different standards and for various purposes. Past experiences with creating detailed architectural heritage inventories in Poland led us to a conclusion that such a subject specif...

Traditional ways of an aesthetic expression like hand drawing and renderings, painting and artist... more Traditional ways of an aesthetic expression like hand drawing and renderings, painting and artistic graphics, are now enriched by computer multimedia techniques. The multimedia techniques are used in the Department of Architecture of Warsaw University of Technology for presentation of students’ designs. The connected media, like computer renderings, animations and sound are used to express sophisticated aesthetics intentions by students in their conceptual designs. In the past two years, three inexpensive multimedia editors were tested on PC’s: Tempra Media Author, HSC Interactive and Multimedia Director 4.0. The most convenient, but not excellent, for our purposes was The Tempra Media Author. Several aspects of multimedia presentation were analyzed and some suggestions for the future were done. There are some aspects of the usage of multimedia in presentations in students’ designs: organisation of information allowing for easy and on-line access to the information one needs at the ...

The rapidity of social, economic and cultural change brings new challenges also to the sphere of ... more The rapidity of social, economic and cultural change brings new challenges also to the sphere of architecture. The environment around practitioners of this sensitive and socially responsible profession is undergoing transformations which not only necessitate theoretical and practical response, but also call for redeÞ ning the educational approach. In the present world of challenge, the discourse on the shape of education often requires reß ecting on the condition of architecture as a profession and a discipline. Some of these challenges are addressed in the MSc programme titled Architecture for Society of Knowledge (ASK) as part of Architecture and Urban Planning study curriculum, which is the Þ rst English-language study programme at the Warsaw’s faculty of architecture. On the 1 of October 2010 the Þ rst 24 students in the programme listened to the opening lecture “Performative Architecture” given by Professor Branko Kolarevica. Until now (spring 2014), there have been four recrui...

Virtuality versus reality in the teaching concepts is one of the most important issues in our tra... more Virtuality versus reality in the teaching concepts is one of the most important issues in our traditionally and professionally oriented school. Computer modelling techniques and interactive presentations as a communication media used to express students sophisticated aesthetics intentions in conceptual design are the subject of our peculiar interest. The goal of our study is to find out how students may use virtual tools to communicate the design ideas.

This paper describes the process of cooperation between architects and archaeologists initiated i... more This paper describes the process of cooperation between architects and archaeologists initiated in 2012 and finalized as the virtual reconstruction of the medieval proto-urban site in Pultusk, Poland. The result was a digital model of urban tissue based on parametric methods supported by 3D printing. This paper describes the process of organization of digitized analog data, enriched with experts’ knowledge, which results in a procedural model of the settlement. The effects ended not only with digital and physical 3Dprinted models but also with a set of conclusions confirming the usefulness of such methods in scientific research concerning the interpretation of archaeological relicts in situ, when not all information is available. Both archaeological practice and the process of architectural reconstruction confirm that the reliability of scientific research and the regime of logical reasoning are independent of the technology used. However, they may be effectively supported by new me...

The distribution of information has become an element of heritage conservation policy, as well as... more The distribution of information has become an element of heritage conservation policy, as well as a tool aiming at sustainable use of historic resources, or even a prerequisite of effective conservation. This aspect is very often underestimated and reduced to simple popularization, which consequently oversimplifies such complex mater, what historic site conservation is. The issues described above are addressed by the authors of this article through the project run on behalf of the National Heritage Board (NHB) attempting to place and publish the information on all historic sites’ resources entered in the register of objects of cultural heritage (the heritage register).

This paper describes methods, processes and the outcome of the reconstruction in the medieval woo... more This paper describes methods, processes and the outcome of the reconstruction in the medieval wooden settlement complex in Pultusk, Poland. It is the result of the interdisciplinary cooperation between architects from Warsaw University of Technology and archaeologists from Regional Museum of Pultusk. They have undertaken the research issues of information exchange and knowledge-building processes in the digital environment. Main issues were related to the methods of computer reconstruction in architectural and urban scale, which enable alternative narrative threads. To achieve this, parametric techniques were adopted and the 'Pultusk Recontructor' application was developed in Grasshopper. The interaction between architects and archaeologists over hypotheses and alternatives was supported in urban scale by 'Rapid Reconstruction Modular Model'. This 3D printed urban model, consist of segments which can be simultaneously exchanged. It became not only a substrate for sci...

The paper is focused on selected issues of preliminary education of computer techniques as part o... more The paper is focused on selected issues of preliminary education of computer techniques as part of first semester curriculum at a school of architecture. Teaching methods based on previously known research are tested and explored in a situation of clearly defined constraints: lack of architecture-specific knowledge of the novices and varying levels of their computer skills. The paper is based on three-year experience. Although we are all in the mood of saying: we do not teach software any more, we still have to think how to encourage students to develop their skills in computer techniques to the level that can liberate them from tool-dependence. The aim is to direct them towards task rather than tool oriented actions. Learning while designing causes the design process to be less important than representation. On the other hand, classic software courses are a thing of the far past and are not suited for design-oriented curriculum. There is a need to find alternative ways more suitabl...

XThe issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework of previo... more XThe issue of collaborative design has been elaborated extensively within the framework of previous CAAD–conferences. Today, an appreciation for traditional attitudes and methods can be observed, but interestingly, a mixture of approaches is also noticeable (computational techniques used in low–tech fabrication environments, for example). This allows for a round–table survey of the current state–of–the–art focused on experiences related to distant learning in the architectural curriculum. To make VDS viable, not only are technological solutions necessary, but so are social (among people) and professional (ways of behavior) ones. In this round–table we aim to identify critical factors of success (or failure).

As a discipline, architecture constantly needs to take on new challenges. Currently, a significan... more As a discipline, architecture constantly needs to take on new challenges. Currently, a significant share of them regards presenting architectural ideas in the face of the IT revolution. In this context, it is reasonable to return to the question of why architects (still) draw. What – especially now – really is architectural drawing? What is the array of its unique features like in comparison with computer techniques? What is the unique potential of the latter, and is there a choice between them or are they mutually exclusive? One of the provided answers is to indicate a need for a critical analysis of the methods to present design ideas, regardless of the means used.