Saeed Arida, Becca Edson MIT, School of Architecture, Cambridge, USA 319
on the lower part of the shoe, i.e. the sole. The sole proved to be very complex in
itself as it has to negotiate between the foot and the ground, diffusing the weight
of the body into the ground.
- Defining performance criteria
This process involved understanding the performance of each formal feature. The
criteria which Becca used to evaluate the performance were: speed, stability, comfort,
flexibility and control.
Becca then outlined the formal features that are responsible for producing certain
performative aspects.
For example, speed necessitates a streamlined sole and light weight body, as
well as an articulated front grip. For stability, the sole needs to have a wider profile,
structural support, and a thickened section. For flexibility, the sole needs to have
recessed channels and a second surface.
Some of these performance criteria require different and sometimes contradictory
formal manipulations. The aim was to negotiate between these formal features to get
the form with the desired performance.
figure 4
- Constructing the targets
After identifying the performance criteria relevant to their objects, students were
asked to remodel their objects so that they optimally respond to one criterion while
ignoring the other criteria. This process of speciation helped the students elaborate
on how each formal feature dictated a particular performative aspect.
For speed, the sole has to have a narrow profile and front toe grips. For stabil-
ity, the sole has to have a thick sole, zones of comfort, and a wider surface area.
For flexibility, the lower surface has to be scored. For control, the surface has to be