[spectre] Paul Coates - RIP

[Paul Brown]

From John Frazer:

Paul Coates died peacefully in the early hours of Friday 14th. 

He made a very significant contribution to the development of microcomputer based graphics and the use of computers in design education and he made a major contribution to the whole field of generative systems.

Whilst still a student at the Architectural Association he discovered the architectural potential of cellular automata and later developed this concept as a lecturer at Liverpool Polytechnic.

As one of the founders of Autographics (1978-96) he created, wrote and marketed the world’s first micro drafting system several years before AutoCad. A series of highly innovative, friendly yet technically brilliant products were developed over nearly 20 years including PAD (power assisted drafting), Shape Processor, Autoplan, Compas 2D and 3D, Design Modeller (the first micro based solid modeling program, Teachers Toolkit and Machiner (CNC packages). These products won major awards and prizes for innovation and interface design including a British Design Award 1988 presented by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, Design Council and Shorts Aircraft special award for best technical innovation 1988, British Computer Society, IT award for Technical Achievement 1989 and finalist in the Toshiba Year of Invention 1989.

Paul went on to lead the Masters course at UEL in Architecture: Computing and Design and inspired generations of students many of who now have formidable reputations of their own. He further developed generative design systems during this period and wrote a book explaining his methods.

On a personal note Paul and I started at the AA on the same day working at the same table, we lived in the same house in Leighton Crescent, holidayed with him in Wales and his 15th Century house in Montauban in France, co-founded Autographics, wrote joint papers, and I was examiner for him on the Masters at UEL. I will miss Paul as a friend, colleague and eccentric genius. He leaves 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

The funeral service will be at midday on Thursday 27 June in the West Chapel at Golders Green Crematorium (Hoop Lane, London NW11). The family request that you are there for 11:45.

John Frazer


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Paul Brown - based in the UK April to October 2013
http://www.paul-brown.com == http://www.brown-and-son.com
UK Mobile +44 (0)794 104 8228
Skype paul-g-brown
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Honorary Visiting Professor - Sussex University
http://www.cogs.susx.ac.uk/ccnr/research/creativity.html
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