A Paradigm for the Construction of Architectural Narrative

Abstract

How does one develop a relevant architectural narrative within a society that traditionally has been and remains highly pluralistic? Architectural meaning arises through the dialogue between a physical and a narrative structure. This proposal concerns the inquiry into the physical and metaphysical structure of space. In this thesis I propose a system of analysis resulting in the creation of structure from which an architectural narrative may be revealed. Traditional (scientific) methods of analysis examine physical phenomena which organize and create the conceptual structure of the environment. I propose that the narrative structure, that is, the metaphysical structure, is equally valuable in its ability to uncover and generate place specific meaning. How the analysis is framed is as important as the object of analysis. The mode of analysis can reveal the underlying metaphysical structure(s) which provides a catalyst to architectural form