This Thing Called "Design Theory"

Abstract

The inclusion, proposed by “Ardeth”, of the word “design” in between “architectural” and “theory” aims at establishing a field of «autonomy of the architectural project» and questions not only the reciprocal position of theory and practice within architecture, but also the relational nature of architecture towards its outside. By reviewing some of the essays included in the book This Think Called Theory, this text aims at showing how problematic the definition of the autonomy of design theory is. Even when produced making use of specific disciplinary devices only (e.g. drawings), theory inevitably opens up the project to a series of wider reflections on how architecture relates to the world: theory is the instrument that redefines architecture disciplinary boundaries continuously, and re-position architecture in relation to other disciplines, to cultural, and political contexts. This process, far from being and endless critical/negative exercise, delineates the very role of theory in relation to practice, the use of theory for architectural design.