Architectural Epistemology in Times of Crisis: Reconceptualizing Tectonic Theory
Throughout history, crises have profoundly influenced architectural theory and practice, shaping how societies design and construct built environments. Economic collapses, ecological disruptions, warfare, political instability, and pandemics have not only imposed constraints but also unlocked new opportunities for innovation in architecture. This research proposes that crises be reconsidered as analytical tools, reframing them as kriserion, a metaphor derived from the Greek etymological roots of the term crisis, meaning sieve. By situating crises as epistemological sieves, architecture gains a transformative framework through which tectonic theory can be reinterpreted, expanding the production of architectural knowledge beyond traditional dichotomies.
Crisis as an Analytical Epistemic Tool
The notion of crisis, rather than being viewed solely as a disruptive or destructive force, can serve as a critical lens for epistemological inquiry in architecture. By reinterpreting crisis as a sieve, the architectural discourse recognizes crises as processes that filter, refine, and transform knowledge. This enables architects and theorists to move beyond reactive practices toward a more reflective, interpretive, and integrative approach that acknowledges the potential of crises to redefine disciplinary boundaries and frameworks.
Tectonic Theory in Architectural Discourse
Tectonics has long been central to architectural theory, with contributions from Bötticher, Semper, Sekler, Frampton, and others forming a critical foundation for understanding the material, structural, and symbolic dimensions of architecture. Within the framework of crisis-as-sieve, tectonics emerges not only as a theory of construction but as a dynamic field of knowledge production that negotiates the relationship between material practices, cultural meaning, and epistemological innovation. This reframing situates tectonics as a key site where crisis-driven transformations are both articulated and theorized.
Epistemological Shifts: From Dichotomies to Relationships
Traditional architectural epistemology often hinges on dichotomies such as structure vs. ornament, material vs. meaning, or practice vs. theory. However, crises expose the limitations of binary thinking by revealing the interconnectedness of architectural dimensions. Through the kriserion framework, epistemology shifts toward relational models that integrate external societal pressures with internal disciplinary challenges. This relational perspective promotes a more holistic understanding of architecture as an evolving discourse shaped by both contextual crises and intellectual negotiations.
Seminal Contributions to Crisis–Tectonic Intersection
The study draws upon a corpus of texts by seminal theorists including Bötticher, Semper, Sekler, Frampton, Frascari, Gregotti, Kirkegaard, and Andersson, each of whom advanced tectonic theory in ways that intersect with crises. Their writings reflect how architecture responds to material scarcity, cultural identity struggles, technological advancements, and socio-political upheavals. Examining these contributions through the kriserion lens reveals tectonics not as a static tradition but as a responsive, evolving field that continually adapts to crises and redefines architectural meaning.
Toward a Reconceptualized Architectural Epistemology
By situating crisis as both challenge and opportunity, this study proposes a reconceptualized architectural epistemology that positions tectonic theory as an active, adaptive, and interpretive domain. The intersection of crisis and tectonics fosters innovative models of interpretation, encouraging architects to navigate uncertainty through creative engagement with epistemological complexity. This approach not only advances architectural theory but also broadens its capacity to address pressing global challenges—ecological, economic, social, and cultural—through reflective and transformative design thinking.
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