Theory Of Architecture ll
Introduction to
Lecture One

What is Architecture for you?
Architecture is what nature
can’t do. ( Louis I. Kahn)
Architecture is the art of how to
waste space (Philip Johnson)
Architecture is the art of creating
human comfort. ( For me )

Theory
Ideology
Architectural Criticism

 Theory is the analysis of fact.
 The general or abstract principles of a body of facts, a science or an art.
What is Theory
Architectural Theory is the act of thinking, discussing and writing about architecture.

Ideology is a setoff
 Positive/constructive and realistic attitude
 Principles/values
 Forms of activities, and acting's shared by a
group of theoreticians
Ideology

The ideology of an individualist the way someone perceives her/himself as a singular subject in the
context of her/his society, a subject in a community, the community as a subject, and therefore
life itself, nature, and the world as phenomena for the subject.
Ideology

Example
 Think global design local (Frampton)
 Regionalism is use of vernacular forms (Frampton)
Regionalism bring together the culture and traditions of a country
With the realities of growing modern technology (Refat Chadirij)

Architectural Criticism
The expression of disapproval of someone or something on
the basis of perceived faults or mistakes
The analysis and judgement of the merits and faults of a
literary or artistic work.

7Principles of Architectural Criticism
1. Fairness in Judgement
 First, the critic should be a ‘man of principles’. Fairness and clarity are essential when judging
a design.
 The design should be assessed as per its own requirements rather than taking another project
as a basis for comparison.
 A civilian’s house can never be judged along the lines of King’s Palace.

7Principles of Architectural Criticism
2. Logical Reasoning
 The critic should always have a logical reason behind the argument.
Emotion doesn't trump reason says Robert Ivy, CEO of the American Institute of Architects
 The goal behind criticism should never be insulting the architects or their designs, rather it
should be pointing out the wrong in order to improve the whole situation

7Principles of Architectural Criticism
3. Building a Persuasive Case
 The art of convincing is very significant to make criticism more constructive. The critics opinion is
not of any use if the receiver does not understand it and truly agrees with it.
 Describing a real life experience as an example to prove a point might help.

7Principles of Architectural Criticism
4. Adequate Delivery
 Sometimes, it is the language that ruins a good critic poor delivery may ruin the effectiveness of
a critique, even though the critic is right and has good intentions.
 Similarly, appropriate delivery may, even, promote an egocentric criticism. The critic should
deliver the message in a positive and motivating manner, without hurting the target sentiments
 The evaluative language like You are wrong or This is a stupid idea may not be of any help
whereas I feel like this may be a better solution might just work wonders.

7Principles of Architectural Criticism
5. Objective Commentary
 Criticism should be more objective It
should be specific, relevant, and to the
point.
 Focusing on the problem at hand helps
in understanding the context Your
design lacks this is anytime better than
Something isn't right but I am unable to
put it.

7Principles of Architectural Criticism
6. General Knowledge of Architecture
Awareness of the past, present, and possible future issues and trends of architecture is a genuine
requirement for a critic to be capable of commenting on an architectural design. Also,
experience as a practicing architect can be very advantageous.

7Principles of Architectural Criticism
7. Understanding the Architects Point of View
 Lastly, its essential for critics to put themselves in the shoes of the receiving architects in order to
adjudicate the design properly
 Doing this will enable them to understand the problem from the architects point of view and
hence deliver more appropriate suggestions

Thank You