Space and material : towards an architectural typology

Abstract

This work is an inquiry into the use of our past in order to help us shape our future. It proposes that the process of justification and validation of architecture should be one that takes into account societal acceptance and agreement. Yet, it contends that the way towards such an agreement does not necessarily require the use of social sciences; but rather, the use of a knowledge based on an understanding of specifically architectural principles. An inquiry into the specificity of architecture is undertaken; this specificity is seen as represented by natural relationships between the two main elements of architecture: Space and Material. Ways for analyzing these relations are projected. Regularity is seen as the major characteristic of architectures of the past. Ways for understanding regularity in the environment are analyzed and different kinds of regular environments are defined. Natural relations between Material and Space are seen as generators of a specific type of regular architectural environments: the environments of typological systems. Typological systems, through their stability and permanence are seen as architectures of social agreement and convention. Change toward an architecture of convention is seen as possible if based on an effort to understand and abide by natural relationships between Space and Material.