Bartlett Research Conversations: Paola Camasso

Everyday logics: architectural and philosophical logics in the work of Susan Stebbing, Susanne Langer, Otto and Marie Neurath and Alison Smithson (1907-1972). 

Speaker: Paola Camasso
Supervisors:  Prof Peg Rawes and Mr Roberto Bottazzi
Guest panellist: Dr Ramon Johnson Amaro

Abstract

Paola's PhD aims to define an ‘everyday logic’ as the historical application of logic to architecture in early and mid-20th century. It understands this term by studying theoretical and design collaborations between philosophers of logic Susan Stebbing and Susanne Langer, and architectural designers, Otto and Marie Neurath and Alison Smithson. Logic is usually considered a ‘value-neutral’ foundational principle of computation in architecture. However, her thesis proposes an ‘everyday’ social logic, grounded in plural and ‘feminine’ values, and materialised in these architectural/philosophical alliances, beyond standard computational applications. The thesis hopes to contribute to new understandings about gender and computation in architecture.

About The Bartlett Research Conversations

The Bartlett School of Architecture’s Research Conversations seminars comprise work-in-progress and upgrade presentations by students undertaking the Architectural Design MPhil/PhD and Architectural and Urban History and Theory MPhil/PhD. All current UCL staff and students are welcome to attend.

Held regularly throughout the academic year, the seminars are attended by the programme directors, Professor Jonathan Hill and Professor Sophia Psarra, PhD Coordinators, Dr. Nina Vollenbröker and Dr Sophie Read, and other PhD supervisors.

Image: The UBR, Universal Bibliographic Repertory. © asbl Mundaneum, Mons, Belgium. (Educational use only until March 9, 2022)