Charles Jencks argues that architecture can be understood through semiotics, or the study of signs and symbols, in the same way that language is understood. He claims that meanings are shaped from the moment of developing architectural form. However, the concept of meaning is multivalent and can be interpreted differently by various social groups and across time periods. While I agree meanings are multivalent, I think Jencks' arguments are paradoxical. According to Ogden and Richard's semantic triangle theory of meaning, concepts and representations do not always correspond in the way Jencks describes since individuals have different perceptions and associations. Nonetheless, experiences can still be expressed and conveyed with shared connotations despite using different words.
1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2016) [10 MARKS]
NAME: EUNICE CHAN YU MING ID: 0315729
LECTURER: MR NAZMI TUTORIAL TIME: 4PM-6PM
SYNOPSIS NO: 2 READER TITLE: SEMIOLOGY ARCHITECTURE
AUTHOR: CHARLES JENCKS
In Semiology and Architecture by Charles Jencks, the author basically
bases his approach on the prominence of semiotics in architecture by translating
the study of language into architecture. Jencks holds that language is the
paradigmatic sign system by stating: “Language dominates all sign systems”.
Architecture can therefore be understood in direct analogy with language and thus
reconceptualized in semiotic terms. Furthermore, he explained meanings are
shaped from the moment of the development of form; hence, a form without a
meaning cannot be a form and will not work well. Jencks further discussed that the
meaning of form is addressed by the society, however, the concept meaning is
multivalent, it can be interpreted differently with two ways, either through
association or opposition and by just a different group of people from different
period of time with different languages spoken, Jencks categorized these as
semiotic groups. It is evident that a sign may gain meaning just from its
oppositions or contrast to another, for instance, Morse code and the computer.
Thus, with this in mind, the concept meaning itself have to be clear and well
defined of what we are discussing in order to achieve a common understanding
between the group.
I do agree with the point that the concept “meaning” is multivalent,
nonetheless, I think the statements are paradoxical, as according to Ogdenand
Richard’s theories of meaning the semantic triangle that consist of percept,
concept and representation does not always work as what Jencks as has
mentioned, it does not have any definite definitions to define how one should think
like the rest because everyone have their own perceptions as well as thought
towards certain thing and matter that built along their own life. However, an
experience could still be expressed and convey with the same connotations
although with different types and sequence of words.
2. WORD COUNT 304 Words
Key points (2.5)
Appropriateness of
Terminologies (2.5)
Clarity in Opinions and
Reactions (2.5)
Logical Progression (2.5)
DATE: 23 OCT 2016 TOTAL MARK & GRADE
ASSSESSED BY:
![BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2016) [10 MARKS]
NAME: EUNICE CHAN YU MING ID: 0315729
LECTURER: MR NAZMI TUTORIAL TIME: 4PM-6PM
SYNOPSIS NO: 2 READER TITLE: SEMIOLOGY ARCHITECTURE
AUTHOR: CHARLES JENCKS
In Semiology and Architecture by Charles Jencks, the author basically
bases his approach on the prominence of semiotics in architecture by translating
the study of language into architecture. Jencks holds that language is the
paradigmatic sign system by stating: “Language dominates all sign systems”.
Architecture can therefore be understood in direct analogy with language and thus
reconceptualized in semiotic terms. Furthermore, he explained meanings are
shaped from the moment of the development of form; hence, a form without a
meaning cannot be a form and will not work well. Jencks further discussed that the
meaning of form is addressed by the society, however, the concept meaning is
multivalent, it can be interpreted differently with two ways, either through
association or opposition and by just a different group of people from different
period of time with different languages spoken, Jencks categorized these as
semiotic groups. It is evident that a sign may gain meaning just from its
oppositions or contrast to another, for instance, Morse code and the computer.
Thus, with this in mind, the concept meaning itself have to be clear and well
defined of what we are discussing in order to achieve a common understanding
between the group.
I do agree with the point that the concept “meaning” is multivalent,
nonetheless, I think the statements are paradoxical, as according to Ogdenand
Richard’s theories of meaning the semantic triangle that consist of percept,
concept and representation does not always work as what Jencks as has
mentioned, it does not have any definite definitions to define how one should think
like the rest because everyone have their own perceptions as well as thought
towards certain thing and matter that built along their own life. However, an
experience could still be expressed and convey with the same connotations
although with different types and sequence of words.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/semiologyandarchitecture-161211145015/85/Semiology-and-architecture-1-320.jpg)
