Towards an architecture of explorative divergence: an autoethnographic interrogation of explorative divergence as a mode of design and practice underpinning the oeuvre of Mathews and Associates Architects
| dc.contributor.advisor | Auret, Hendrik | en_ZA |
| dc.contributor.author | Mathews, Pieter J. | en_ZA |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-05-06T06:50:25Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-05-06T06:50:25Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023 | en_ZA |
| dc.description | Thesis (PhD.Arch (Design))--University of the Free State, 2023 | en_ZA |
| dc.description.abstract | A recurring theme in architectural theory is the question of “meaning”. To what purpose do we create architecture? My own personal credo can be defined as an intention to foster a bias for good architecture amongst the public by creating buildings which offer a holistic, embodied experience to which the dweller can relate. Expressed more simply, I care about the quality of the relationship between the public and architecture. I postulate that good architecture can be achieved on the basis of the symbiosis of two core ingredients, namely propositional density and narrative depth. “Propositional density” is a term borrowed from graphic design theory and can be defined as “the relationship between elements of a design and the meaning they convey” (Lidwell, Holden & Butler 2003:190). The theory states that a design is more intriguing and memorable when its elements have layered meanings; when one simple element conveys multiple meanings. In this study the term is used to refer to the complexity (density) of the meanings (propositions) of an architectural element or elements. Propositions can be further distinguished as being surface propositions – the multifunctionality of architectural elements – or deep propositions – the underlying sculptural and cinematic propositions of these elements. “Narrative depth” refers to the attempt to reveal the narratives of sites and cultures by conveying stories through architectural elements, thereby making buildings contextual. One can differentiate between visible and unseen narratives. Visible, or seen narratives, are direct references or representations of the narratives associated with the site. Unseen narratives refer to those representations that can only be understood if the viewer has specific insight. The reading of underlying, unseen narratives depends in part on the personal history and knowledge of the person interacting with the built environment. Perhaps more important than arguing the definition of good architecture is the following: understanding how architects can set about achieving or creating architecture with sufficient propositional density and narrative depth, in order to establish meaningful relationships between dweller and building (i.e. so that people can relate to buildings in such a way that a bias for this kind of architecture is established). The above represents the intention with this practice-based study: to unearth the ‘how’ so that we can reflect on and improve our methods of design and praxis. Explorative divergence can be described as an open-ended, interdisciplinary working method which goes hand in hand with a receptive mindset. Simultaneously, I argue that architecture practices would benefit from dabbling in a wide range of projects (from publishing and running a think tank, to curating art exhibitions and initiating guerrilla projects), as this would enrich the toolset of the practice. To unearth the characteristics of E-D, as it pertains to the practice of Mathews and Associates Architects, I will focus on three dominant divergencies or core competencies as lenses through which E-D can be understood: • Curation (including composition, judgement and intuition) • Sculpture (referring to aspects like making, form and materiality, texture, material and construction, innovation, and designing for semi-skilled labour) • Cinematic architectural choreography (including investigations into sequence, routes, movement, framing and temporal experience) These core competencies (which are areas of study in their own right) will be approached ‘as an architect’, and even more specifically, as ‘this architect’ has experienced them through architectural practice. Consequently, the method of inquiry is grounded in an auto-ethnographic exploration of the origins of E-D practice in my upbringing, education, travels and career. An exegesis of early student travel journals will reveal influential buildings and architects that inspired my E-D thinking. The places I experienced, and the discussion of like-minded creatives, will establish the thesis within the discipline of architecture. The style of the thesis is anecdotal, recounting stories to illustrate principles which are supported by academic references. In this manner the characteristics of E-D, as it pertains to the praxis of Mathews and Associates Architects, are defined; thus, a case can be made for the E-D method to produce architecture with high propositional density and narrative depth. Ultimately, I believe this kind of architecture has the greatest potential to allow people to relate to the work, and thereby find meaning in it. | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/11660/12477 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of the Free State | en_ZA |
| dc.rights.holder | University of the Free State | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | Explorative divergence | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | praxis | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | design method | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | open-ended | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | interdisciplinary | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | anecdotal | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | autoethnography | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | divergencies | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | sculpture | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | adhocism | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | innovation | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | curation | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | cinematic architectural choreography | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | propositional density | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | narrative depth | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | embodied experience | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | public reading | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | relationship between man and building | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | dualism | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | meaning | en_ZA |
| dc.title | Towards an architecture of explorative divergence: an autoethnographic interrogation of explorative divergence as a mode of design and practice underpinning the oeuvre of Mathews and Associates Architects | en_ZA |
| dc.type | Thesis |