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Theory of architecture I
Introduction
Theory of Architecture I 4 th^ year, ARCH 422 Lecturer - Sebona Hailu
Key points
- (^) theory
- (^) theory of architecture
- (^) Categories in theory of architecture
- (^) Why we study theory of architecture
Theory:
- (^) A plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of general principles offered to explain phenomena.( Merriam-Webster dictionary )
- (^) The principles on which a particular subject is based. ( Oxford dictionary )
- (^) The term theory of architecture was originally accepted translation of the “ratiocinatio” as used by vitruvius , a Roman architect-engineer of the 1 st^ century CE, to differentiate intellectual from practical knowledge in architectural education. Firmitas Utilitas Venustas
theory of architecture:
- (^) Before 18th^ century every comprehensive treatise or published lecture course on architecture could appropriately be described as a textbook on architectural theory. A huge amount of works published in books, magazines and journals by architects and critics widening the theoretical aspect of architecture.
theory of architecture:
Architectural theory can be presented
as:
- (^) Lectures, books, treatise, competition, dialogue, drawings
- (^) Didactic (educational/instructive) – that is theorists tend to follow and work within a particular school of thought and action ex. Bauhaus
- (^) Thematic theories are treatises which aim at the fulfillment of one principal goal (theme) , usually at the cost of other customary goals of building. Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain
- (^) Classical orders
- (^) Romanesque and Gothic
- (^) Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical
- (^) Art Nouveau Parthenon, Athens, Greece Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy
Theories of synthesis
- (^) Theories which aim at fulfilling simultaneously several goals.
- (^) These theories of architectural synthesis do not encourage creating unique monuments or architectural styles. Instead, they can help at producing practical buildings.
Based on the principal target of the study:
- (^) Descriptive: reporting the present or past state of architecture.
- (^) Explanatory: to find out why each building has taken the shape that they have.
- (^) Normative : attempt to point out in which respects the object of study could be improved, and the method of doing it.
Categories of theory in architecture:
We study theory of architecture
- (^) to look at the reasons why buildings look the way they do
- (^) why architects have chosen to design their buildings in particular ways
- (^) the reasons why architectural styles have changed over time
- (^) To see Where do architectural ideas come from
- (^) How theory influenced the practice of architecture
- (^) To improve quality of architectural output by understanding its theory