Theory into Practice

Examining architecture at a purely theoretical level is necessary to the evolution of architecture and informs how we are inspired to create a better environment. Sometimes theories must stay in the theoretical world for reasons of cost, feasibility, etc. but I think that there are many circumstances where architectural theorists need to bring their ideas into practice more often. In class, we talked about how we see a lot of examples of experimentation with sustainability and occupant comfort at a small scale and we do not know how to apply them to a larger scale building. Ideas like Philippe Rahm’s Convective Apartments and Evaporated Rooms where he studies how interior temperatures and body temperature can play a role in design should be carried further into practice so we can learn from them (for better or worse) and apply them to different project types and building scales. Understanding how people’s senses should play into architectural design comes best when placed into real life situations. In today’s world, things move fast and architecture can feel left behind at times. By moving theory into practice more quickly, architects can keep better pace with technology and measures that can create greener, better functioning buildings that create a better environment for people to live in and are more attuned to all of our senses.

Convective apartments, Philippe Rahm

Evaporated rooms, Philippe Rahm