Meaning in architecture : architectural manifestations, intentions and understandings in a social dialogue

Abstract

This dissertation describes Architecture, understood as a collective concept of creation, influence and value that manifest both on personal and social levels, always a whole which is more than the built or the processes of its designing - a whole of larger significance and meaning to the collective path. - A definition I intuitively felt but was unable to fully understand and formulate clearly until I undertook the path of searching for answers to the questions what, how and why with relation to the philosophical, encompassing topic of meaning in and of Architecture. What are the layers of an architectural work that compose its meaningful manifestations in our world of visible and invisible dimensions? How do the architects conceive meanings intentionally to create an impact on the society and its visions for the future? Answering those questions provided the foundation for connecting logically the pieces of meaning of Architecture in a social world in order to present the view of architecture as a trigger to realizations and develop the position why architecture moves beyond illustration and can contribute to dialogues of meaning. 'Meaning in Architecture' presents a theoretical overview of the aspects considered by scholars as defining the architectural practice, includes a limited collection of architects explaining their intentions with relation to projects operating on different levels of impact. Finally, this dissertation draws logically conclusions in order to formulate, extract knowledge of the subtle architectural moves that lead to dialogues of social meaning.