Philosophy and theory of architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Philosophy and theory of architecture - Essay Example Common features however, are considerations such as aesthetics, proportion, and surroundings. Present changes revolve mainly around the need to cope with environmental concerns but the despising of modernism runs deeper. It is generally seen as lacking in character. Prince Charles champions the call for returning to more traditional styles of architecture. A case study of Regent’s Park Mosque in London showed the building is a blend of both Islamic and modernist architectural elements. It reflects the thinking at the time of its construction. Nonetheless, it is evident of the diversity of ideas and practices present today. Architecture, its underlying philosophies and a look at Regent’s Park Mosque This paper examines some theoretical underpinnings of architecture from a philosophical perspective. It shows how theories of design presuppose specific concepts and theories. A brief overview is made of some historical and contemporary architecture and a discussion follows o f present day changes in thinking on architecture. Attention is given to the views of Prince Charles on architecture as they represent those that are dissatisfied with modernism and who hearken back to earlier architectural thinking. The global environmental changes are also contributing to the changed approach. A case study is then made of a particular building in the UK in order to illustrate such ideas, namely the Regent’s Park Mosque in central London. Architecture is intricately related with philosophy. Architecture is after all an imposed organisation of a social space, and that space has to be designed with considerable thought. A certain intended expression is exuded, which holds associations and meanings for the people who see and use the building. Many important religious buildings for example, are designed to be imposing or soothing and evoke an appreciation and respect for the almighty being. They are designed to be experienced at a deeper level so they have stron g philosophical foundations. These and other planned buildings are typically large or otherwise of some importance. They affect the lives of people in some significant way or other. Beauty is one of the important features of the outcome of architectural planning and what we come to expect from a specially designed building. According to de Botton (2008), ideas of a meaningful life are what we consider to be beautiful in architecture. People love beautiful buildings because they represent the kind of ideas about the world we live in and ourselves that they can relate with. The theme of his book deals with the search to find the kind of dwellings in which people could stand the greatest chance of happiness. In doing so, he traces the development of various styles of architecture that have attempted to satisfy human needs and desires. However, the explanation for what makes for happiness is more psychological than philosophical. People do not only associate beauty in buildings with the ir feelings but also their thoughts, and their conception of what is ideal. Kantian philosophers link aesthetics with using logic for aesthetic judgment. They â€Å"suppose that free beauty is simply beauty, but the beauty of works in particular arts is judged beautiful in the light of some antecedent notion of artistic perfection† (Mitias, 1994: 3). That is to say, a specially planned building as opposed to an ordinary building is usually judged based on some understanding of its nature