Reading Tectonics

 The readings refer to tectonics in a variety of settings; tectonic/stereotomic, tectonic/atectonic, topos/typos/tectonic, representation/ontological, rhythm, corporeal metaphor, ethnography, and technology. Briefly define each term and provide an architectural example that embodies the condition.

Tectonics/stereotomic: refers to a more frame driven and to lighter materials, stereotomic Refers to solid, more mass and earth.

Tectonic/atectonic:  complete opposites, atectonic is the form or structure elements that are hidden

Topos/typos/tectonic: this means site, type or style, and structure

Corporal metaphor: physical body thinks of space without mind

Representation/ontological: refers to the symbolic and technical relationship of the structure

Rhythm: the creation of movement by a set of repeating elements

Ethnography: talks about the association of human culture in architecture

Technology: talks about the development of new applications, and how it alters space and architecture 

Kenneth Frampton writes that this study of tectonics "seeks to mediate and enrich the priority given to space", what is a dominant trend in Western architecture of today and how does tectonics relate to this trend?

The most popular trend found in Western architecture was just building in order to meet the requirements of the client. Unlike tectonics that focuses on the structure or atectonics, the hidden structure, I believe this relationship is lost. 
 
"Greek in origin, the term tectonic derives from the work tekton, signifying carpenter or builder". How has the the impact of Albert Einstein's theory of relativity and other space-time models altered tectonic etymology?

Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity with several other discoveries made a huge impact in human society, and it changed the meaning of tectonic etymology. Now, tectonic is not just referring to the carpenter, but rather someone who is able to make anything, someone that understands the space and its relationship.

Vittorio Gregotti states in 1983, "(t)he worst enemy of modern architecture is the idea of space considered solely in terms of its economic and technical exigencies indifferent to the ideas of the site". If the intention of site is to situate human in the cosmos, how then does site infer from a contemporary landscape that has been graded, conditioned, tamed, treated, sculpted, mapped, engineered, essentially re-created by humans?

Vittorio Gregotti statements talks about how modern architecture is turning into a big threat to our natural landscapes because we can mold the environment to fit our needs instead of just adapting to it. The idea of situating human in the cosmos refers to adapting in the environment. 

Is architectural tectonics applicable or relevant in a world of global mobilization? State and explain your position.

I believe that tectonics is relevant in a world of global mobilization. It creates a relationship with the materials and a better understanding of the structural system. New technology discoveries also help the advancement of architectural tectonics.