Architectural Theory

From Canonica AI

Introduction

Architectural theory is the act of thinking, discussing, and writing about architecture. It is taught in most architecture schools and is practiced by the world's leading architects. Some forms that architecture theory takes are the lecture or dialogue, the treatise or book, and the paper project or competition entry. Architectural theory is often didactic, and theorists tend to stay close to or work from within schools.

Historical Overview

The earliest surviving written work on the subject of architecture is De architectura, by the Roman architect Vitruvius in the early 1st century AD. According to Vitruvius, a good building should satisfy the three principles of firmitas, utilitas, venustas[1], which translates to firmness, commodity and delight, commonly known as the Vitruvian Triad.

A photo of a Roman building, showcasing the principles of Vitruvian architecture.
A photo of a Roman building, showcasing the principles of Vitruvian architecture.

During the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 14th centuries), the Islamic architecture began to be influenced by the Greek and Roman architectural theory. The most notable Islamic architectural theory is the Risale-i Mimariyye, an early architectural treatise written by Khayr al-Din al-Ramli in 1461.

In the early 19th century, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin wrote the first true history of western architecture, from Antiquity to the Renaissance. His work, Contrasts, drew examples from Gothic architecture in order to argue that it was the only "true Christian form of architecture."

In the mid-20th century, with the rise of the new technologies and ideologies, architectural theory began to more widely take in the thoughts of philosophers such as Michel Foucault, Walter Benjamin, and Jacques Derrida.

Modern Architectural Theory

Modern architectural theory is defined by a number of theories and styles that emerged in the 20th century, such as the International Style, Postmodernism, and Deconstructivism. These theories are characterized by a number of common themes, including the rejection of ornament, a return to simple, functional forms, and the use of modern materials and construction methods.

In the late 20th and early 21st century, a new wave of architectural theory emerged, with architects and theorists questioning the validity of modernist and postmodernist architecture and proposing new approaches to designing and building. This new wave of theory is often associated with the term Critical Regionalism.

Architectural Theory and Practice

Architectural theory is not merely a series of abstract concepts, but it is closely related to the practice of architecture. Theories are implemented into buildings, and the buildings themselves might inspire new architectural theory. The practice of architectural theory is a dialogue between what has been done, what can be done, and what should be done. This dialogue is what allows architecture to evolve and adapt to changing cultural, technological, and social needs.

Conclusion

Architectural theory is a vast and complex field, encompassing a wide range of topics and ideas. It is a crucial part of architectural education and practice, providing a framework for architects to understand and question their role in shaping the built environment. Despite its complexity, architectural theory can be understood as a dialogue about what architecture is, what it can be, and what it should be.

See Also

  1. Vitruvius, The Ten Books on Architecture, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 1914. Translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Ph.D., LL.D. Late Professor of Classical Philology in Harvard University.