An Architect visits the Laboratory. Research approaches at the “End of Theory”

Abstract

The essay reflects on the role of the Laboratory as a space for experimenting with a new Technological Culture in architecture and design disciplines, leveraging computational systems to define interdisciplinary, ecological, and knowledge-driven design approaches in response to the challenges of the Age of Entanglement and Transition. To support this reflection, the contribution presents a field experience conducted in a Northern European research laboratory, focused on developing a biomaterial made from waste for architecture and design. This opportunity highlights how a significative gap grows between empirical experimentation and theoretical validation, which might be attributed to a relative immaturity of the research, as well as a sign of the “End of Theory” (as notably forecasted by Chris Anderson) in the methods of digital technologies research themselves. Drawing on these remarks, the work attempts to trace the emerging features of the ‘civilization of Laboratories’ and discusses its critical aspects, particularly regarding the transferability of results and their impact on scientific practice, design processes, the transformation of the built environment, and society.

Keywords: research laboratories, entanglement, transitions, technological culture, enabling technologies