Architecture Theory by Kate Nesbit - Book Report/Review Example

Architecture Theory by Kate Nesbit In this article, Kate Nesbit revolves around the discussion of theory around architecture which is generally a description of the practice and the production of architecture. This goes further to describe all the aspects around theory and its relevance to architecture including the challenges that come with it. Architectural experience and output, research and the history of architecture is spoken about in the article. The theory of architecture takes its approach by exemplifying individual’s works which contributes to the historical description enabling the full understanding of architectural work (Nesbitt pg. 16). From an individual perspective architectural theories have been found to exists severally with the general characteristics the theories exists as: prescriptive, proscriptive, affirmative or even critical.

The forms of the existence of the theories define their functions, nature and the standards that they set for their formulation and existence. The transformation of architecture from the old era to the postmodern phenomenon is critically discussed with approaches such as post structuralism expounded. A discussion of architectural theory enables us be in the position to get the one on one architectural experience and perceive how the lived architecture is formulated. Factors which define architectural work are important most so in defining the relevant criticisms (Nesbitt pg. 17-31). Through this article we are able to understand the role of theory in providing the conceptual base of architecture.

The definition of architectural research and the roles of history in architecture lead us to knowledge without profoundness enabling us to understand how complex the theory of architecture is. Other aspects defined include postmodernism itself and the theory institutions. The impact of postmodernism and the theoretical paradigms is not left alone in enhancing the growth of architecture (Nesbitt pg. 53). It is a fact that the study around postmodern architecture is due to a variety of reasons revolving around the aesthetical and design aspects.

The article by Ockman is on the other hand an extension of the development of architecture supported by the role of ideology in the evolution process. The evolution of architectural culture is defined through modernism into postmodernism as witnessed today. These are the changes that are realized since world war two defining the crisis resulting from the same. He American influence on the whole of the evolution circle throughout the globe is discussed. The transformations are further seen as complex as the nature and extent of considerations widen.

The aspect of architecture and its progression is not that narrow: it brings together a wide block of issues enabling the applications of the theories to remain a mirage (Ockman pg. 12-25). Rowe on his part tries through his article to recollect the original meaning of architecture on the realization of its loss in the late 1940’s. This is mainly attributed to the overdependence on theory in defining most of the aspects of architecture forgetting that architecture and buildings as a whole concept are quite old.

The relation between religion, art and architecture is clearly defined and made simpler. The whole ideological arguments around architecture are looked at and the historical perspective of theory including what architecture really is (Rowe pg. 74-84). This is expounded upon by expounding on the theories as laid down by Nesbit and criticizing some of the evolution aspects as laid down by Ockman. This article in a big way brings out the distinctions of the architectural theories through distinctions in arguments as presented by the five architects.

Works CitedNesbitt, Kate. Theorizing a new Agenda for Architecture: The Anthology of Architectural THEORY. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 1996; Pages 16-70. Print.Ockman, Joan. Architecture Culture 1943-1968: A Documentary Anthology. New York: Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, 1993; Pages 12-25. Print.Rowe, Colin. Introduction to Five Architects, 1972. New York: Davide Tommaso Ferrando, 1972; Pages 74-84. Print.