The Creation of Theories
Colin Rowe's "The Mathematics of the Ideal Villa" is a reminder that architectural theory can be simultaneously selective, narrow and valid. This gives freedom to designer, the architect, and the theorist. No matter their level of experience or education, Rowe's work gives a nod of "permission" to explore ideas and create theories without regulation. It is interesting and freeing to think of theory as something that cannot be right or wrong, and idea that is valid because it has reasoning, whether it is good reasoning or not. From the perspective of a student, Rowe's analysis of the villas gives all budding theories the validity to expand and be explored.
This is very interesting of how much it directly connects to students. Specifically how important it is for students need to experiment with theories and not be afraid to iterate because this is how they refine and gain valuable insight from the process itself. This leads to them ultimately being able to push the boundaries of conventional thinking.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really interesting take on Rowe's article. Rather than viewing it as a prescription for ideal methods, it's an example of the indeterminacy of architectural theory as a discourse. I think about this a lot when reading architectural theory and wonder if there should be a different term for the field all together. If we understand the fickleness of an attempt to universalize architecture, then maybe "theory" doesn't apply.
ReplyDeleteI really like your takeaway from Rowe. Sometimes as a student I feel very stuck with making "right" design decisions, and if the decisions I make are too supported, if I am making anything that is creative or interesting. I often have the internal discussion with myself of how to achieve the in between of order and inspiration
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