Signs, Images and Life:

Researching the Mimetical Mode of Architecture

Abstract

The paper gives a theoretical argument as to the specificity of architecture as a field that touches upon very different modes of signification or modalities of knowledge: scientific knowledge (signs), artistic inputs (images) and interactive processes (life). It will argue that these different aspects are inextricably entwined in any phenomenon of architecture that is studied in its full width and depth. Most research strategies in architecture legitimately focus on certain aspects – e.g. historical analysis, or technical investigations, or inquiries into design methodology. It is our intention, however, to reflect upon the possibility of an encompassing research strategy, which aims at coming to terms with the specificity of architecture. This means that we intend to develop a strategy which deals with architecture's different modalities of knowledge or modes of signification. Examples are given of themes and issues that have been studied following the proposed strategy.