what even is theory
The Thinker (Le Penseur)
“Architectural theory is the act of thinking, discussing, and writing about architecture.” - Wikipedia
We started class with a discussion on should architects practice theory. It's impossible to answer this without defining what theory is. If we define theory as the act of thinking about architecture then of course architects should think about what they are doing. If we view theory as designing with a base set of values and principles, then this is also important in practice. But if we view theory as an abstract investigation into architecture on paper, then it has no place in practice. Architecture in academia and in practice are vastly different and ideas should not be brought directly from one to the other. There needs to be a delusion of theory before it becomes practice. Meaning it needs to be watered down to be helpful within practice. A great example of this is Peter Eisenman, he literally designed an unlivable house because he was so focused on a theory he developed on paper. This intensity towards theory takes out the importance of the user.
Delusion of theory is a MUST before it becomes practice. I have found that in academia, there are times we are taught to grab ideas, thoughts, and theories from different places and implement them in a design that has no relationship to those ideas whether contextual, formal, or cultural. I find it bizarre to interpret writing and then take it, design it, and place it where it doesn't belong.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with you that theory cannot be directly applied into practice. It definitely needs to be delineated before it becomes a physical reality that is probably going to shape the environment around it for the foreseeable future. Why can’t a parametric building derived from complex mathematical and geometric shapes be as functional as a building that is designed on the basis of theory? Why can’t these buildings be adored, remembered and become a source of inspiration to the future generations? I’d like to see the advancements in geometric capabilities that we have as a result of architectural evolution.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that architects should practice theory to a certain extent. It's important for architects to have a strong set of values and principles to guide their design decisions. However, I also believe that theory needs to be applied in a practical way that considers the needs and experiences of the end users. It's crucial for architects to strike a balance between theoretical ideas and real-world application to ensure that their designs are both innovative and functional.
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