Theory of Architecture: Context first, form later (An introduction)

Send us Fan MailWe continue the conversation around this quote:"Design is the Conversation Between Creativity and Context" (Kevin Mark Low (author) in Small Projects, ORO Editions (May 1, 2014))Introducing on 'specific context', which later was often quoted as 'context specificities' (after Low), when dealing with a design project, may it be a real-life project or a student's project in the second year, I would like to refer to the quote above and after that I would quote Chris Alexander in his book "Notes on the Synthesis of Form" (1971), in particular, this one: “The ultimate object of design is form”, I would argue, that, context first and then, form. My students are struggling more when they approach their design with the form and try to fit in the reasons why (that form) later. We need to provide this advice to our students, to place more importance on 'context'. I will be starting a series on this, as a way to make sense of the issue of the design approach and how we as tutors need to manage this carefully in the learning experience of our future architects.© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd YaacobPhoto (artwork): Drawing of a Leaf (by Naziaty Mohd Yaacob)Support the showDo subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere!