Developing a Theoretical Framework for Explaining References of Architectural Concepts based on Indexical Interpretations

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

Tarbiat Modares University

Abstract
Objectives: Even though there are existing capacities in the idea of referentiality based on the notion of index to establish a relationship between the concept and the three components of form, content, and context, a comprehensive study in this field has yet to be fulfilled. Thus, this study aims to develop a codified theoretical framework based on the idea of referentiality, whose indicators can explain the references of architectural concepts.

Methods: Using the logical argumentation method, through a qualitative and documentary study, the existing models related to the formation methods of architectural concepts were examined and compared. Data were collected through a systematic review of the literature. Data analysis was performed based on an analytical-interpretive qualitative procedure that included two stages of extracting descriptive propositions and text analogy.

Findings: The result is a theoretical framework with 42 indicators categorized into three main components: form, content, and context, as well as six sub-components: formal composition, transformational evolutionary process, meaning aspects, spatial program, the natural potential of context, and man-made potential of context.

Conclusion: If the architectural concept is regarded as signified and the determining agents as signifiers, then the effective agents in its development can be thought of as references that can be explained using indexical interpretations. According to this explanatory system, the determinate agents that progress the process of conceptualization can be explained as formal-references, contentual-references, and contextual-references in a major classification.

Keywords


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