Zamenopoulos, T;
(2008)
Design out of complexity: A mathematical theory of design as an universal property of organization.
Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
Objective: One of the most challenging problems in science is to identify whether there are certain common principles that characterize how organization at a microscopic level leads to the formation of complex structures, behaviours or functions at a macroscopic level. This is the very quest of complexity science. Within this quest, there remains one special issue that has received little attention: the 'problem' or 'phenomenon' of design. In this thesis, design is perceived as a capacity that arises because of certain characteristic organizational conditions. In line with complexity research, design is studied as a 'universal' property of organization without making assumptions as to whether this is a biological, cognitive or social organization. The thesis can be summarised as follows: Research problem: What entails the capacity to recognize and carry out design tasks Hypothesis: Design is a function of the complexity of organization. Objective: A mathematical theory of the organizational properties which are responsible for the capacity to recognize and carry out design tasks. Methodology: The above hypothesis is an epistemological statement about the nature of design, but it also has a methodological dimension. Methodologically it gives emphasis to the production of knowledge 'by construction'. The study approaches this objective mathematically, using category theoretic constructions. Results: The main results of the study are: It explicates the notions of organization and complexity and ascertains the basic dimensions of organizational level descriptions. It characterises design as a universal property of complexity and identifies the organizational conditions and principles that are responsible for the capacity to recognise and carry out design tasks. It develops a mathematical structure (a theory) that defines the universe within which design tasks and activities are realized. Overall, the thesis offers a mathematical theory of design as a universal phenomenon of complexity.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Title: | Design out of complexity: A mathematical theory of design as an universal property of organization |
| Identifier: | PQ ETD:593291 |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Thesis digitised by ProQuest. Third party copyright material has been removed from the ethesis. Images identifying individuals have been redacted or partially redacted to protect their identity. |
| URI: | https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1445967 |
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