Architecture Theory

Architectural Theory

is the theory of an action-based science. Unlike scientific theories, tracing provisional paths through unexplored terrains, the field of architectural theory is primarily grounded on attitudes, beliefs and motives, which prepare the action of architects. Architectural theory is situated in the run-up to design and production. Architectural theory, dealing with concepts and ideas, is prior to any processes of design and manufacturing. Architectural theory assumes that the act of building is a conscious, intentional, symbolic, and sometimes even a critical undertaking. Therefore, it views built reality in the light of authorial declarations, rules, tracts, dogmas and doctrines. As a specific form of theory, it focuses on possible justifications and reasons stipulated by those who conceive architectural projects. Therefore, the main task of architectural theory is to analyse declarations of intent, statements, rules, tracts, dogmas, and doctrines. In cases where architecture has been conceived without any apparent theory or quotable author, theory helps to reveal and to contextualize hidden and latent motives.

Architectural Theory

supports the training of individual competences. It promotes conceptual thinking and rational action. It describes the productive chain between conceptual ideas and their realization, between examples and their imitations. The enlightening effect of architectural theory lies in the analysis of the knowledge invested in specific solutions. It does this by offering possibilities for comparison and by showing invariant aspects that transcend time and place. Architectural theory reaches beyond the specific and the unique in order to provide opportunities for comparison. It indicates invariant and general topics, employed and reactivated at several moments in the course of architectural history.

Architectural Theory

is closely related to the long-term memory of the discipline. It is crucial to the development and the growth of available architectural knowledge. It shows possible approaches to knowledge and points the way through encyclopaedias, archives, collections. It highlights possible ways to store the existing knowledge accumulated in encyclopaedia, archives, and collections. The theory of architecture serves as a systematic guide through the inventory of this knowledge. It helps to select seminal object, models and solutions. As part of a science of action, its interest is in the inventive appropriation of historical material. It stimulates research through the construction of appropriate questions. Architectural theory encourages inventive appropriations of historical material in order to face the crucial problems of today.