The Theory of Architecture: Concepts Themes & PracticesThe Theory of Architecture Concepts, Themes & Practices Paul-Alan Johnson Although it has long been thought that theory directs architectural practice, no one has explained precisely how the connection between theory and practice is supposed to work. This guide asserts that architectural theory does not direct practice, but is itself a form of reflective practice. Paul-Alan Johnson cuts through the jargon and mystery of architectural theory to clarify how it relates to actual applications in the field. He also reveals the connections between new and old ideas to enhance the reader's powers of critical evaluation. Nearly 100 major concepts, themes, and practices of architecture--as well as the rhetoric of architects and designers--are presented in an easily accessible format. Throughout, Johnson attempts to reduce each architectural notion into its essential concept. By doing so, he makes theory accessible for everyday professional discussion. Topics are arranged under ten headings: identification, definition, power, attitudes, ethics, order, authority, governance, relationship, and expression. Areas covered under these headings include: * Utopic thought in theories of architecture * Advocacy and citizen participation in architecture * The basis of architectural quality and excellence * The roles of the architect as artist, poet, scientist, and technologist * Ethical obligations of architecture * Rationales for models and methods of design * How authority is determined in architecture * How architects structure their concepts * Conventions of communication within the architectural profession Each section begins by showing the etymology of key terms of the topic discussed, along with a summary history of the topic's use in architecture. Discussions probe the conceptual and philosophical difficulties of different theories, as well as their potential and limitations in past and present usage. Among the provocative issues discussed in terms of their relationship to architecture are chaos theory, feminism, service to the community, and the use of metaphor. Johnson points out with stunning clarity the intentions as well as the contradictions and inconsistencies of all notions and concepts. All architects and designers, as well as students and teachers in these disciplines, will gain many insights about architectural thought in this groundbreaking text. |
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... Language of Architecture 3. Can Architecture Mean Anything ? 4. Metaphor as Necessity and Difficulty 5. Signature : Vanity , Necessity , or Insane Pedantry References 435 Index 469 FOREWORD If this opus isn't the capstone to all ...
... Language of Architecture 3. Can Architecture Mean Anything ? 4. Metaphor as Necessity and Difficulty 5. Signature : Vanity , Necessity , or Insane Pedantry References 435 Index 469 FOREWORD If this opus isn't the capstone to all ...
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abstract achieve action agenda Alberti ancient architects architectural theory artist beauty become belief building century chaos chaos theory chapter Charles Jencks Cited classical client COMMENTARY composition concept concerns context conventional Corbusier creative critical culture Deconstructivism definition developed discipline discourse elements essence esthetic ethical existence experience expression Frank Lloyd Wright function FURTHER SOURCES geometry Greek human idea individual intention issues Jencks John Ruskin Kant kind knowledge language Latin Le Corbusier Louis Kahn matter meaning mediation metaphor method modernist moral nature normative notion object particular Paul Feyerabend Paul Frankl Philip Johnson philosophical Pollitt position practice principles profession professional rational relation relationship Roger Scruton rules Scruton sense social society space spatial Stanley Fish Stanley Tigerman structure style task theoretical theorists things thinking thought TRACE tradition truth understanding unity universal Vitruvius whole words writing