Fue theory 4 lecture 3 - theory in relation to method

1. FUE - Future University in Egypt
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Department of Architectural Engineering
ARC 322: History & Theories of
Architecture (4)
Fall 2016
Instructor:
Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Lecture 3 - Theory in Relation to Method

2. Chapter 4
Theory in Relation to Method
Architectural Research Methods
Linda Groat & David Wang

3. 4.1. Introduction
A Theory emerges when explanation is set forth
systematically, usually from language, or by
means of other signs and annotation.

4. 4.1. Introduction
What is theoria?
• The “active contemplation” of an object, rather than
the passive reception of external effects.”

5. What is theory?
Several definitions depending on the
discipline.
• In the natural sciences it is a
removed and systematic accounting
of an object where exact prediction
is very high; i.e. where the
relationship between several factors
can be demonstrated to cause a
result that can be predicted over
and over again. If it cannot be
demonstrated then it is determined
to be a false theory.

6. What is theory?
• In the human sciences it is
not based on exact
prediction (as much), but
rather on statistical
probabilities that can
generalize on behavior or on
a detailed “thick
description” of a particular
social-cultural context.

7. What is theory?
• In the fine arts it is based on
systematic philosophical
constructions.

8. A scientific theory: Archimedes'
Buoyancy Principle “EUREKA!”
• After he discovered his principle of buoyancy, the ancient
Greek scholar Archimedes allegedly yelled out "Eureka!" and
ran naked through the city of Syracuse. The story goes that
Archimedes made his great breakthrough when he noticed
the water rise as he got into the tub.
• According to Archimedes' buoyancy principle, the force
acting on (buoying) a submerged or partially submerged
object equals the weight of the liquid that the object
displaces. This sort of principle has an immense range of
applications and is essential to calculations of density, as
well as designing submarines and other oceangoing vessels.
• Explains the past, the present and predicts the future!

9. A scientific theory:
Law of Gravitation
• more than 300 years ago Sir Isaac Newton proposed a
revolutionary idea: that any two objects, no matter their
mass, exert gravitational force toward one another. This law
is represented by an equation that many high schoolers
encounter in physics class. It goes as follows: F = G ×
[(m1m2)/r²]
• F is the gravitational force between the two objects, measured in
Newtons. m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, while r is the distance between
them. G is the gravitational constant.
• The benefit of the universal law of gravitation is that it allows
us to calculate the gravitational pull between any two
objects. This ability is especially useful when scientists are
planning to put a satellite in orbit or charting the course of
the moon.
• Explains the past, the present and predicts the future!

10. A scientific theory: E=mc
• E represents energy, m represents mass, and c² is the square of the speed
of light (2.9 x 10^8 meters per second!).
• A tiny amount of mass when multiplied by such a huge number (C) yields
an incredible amount of energy. Releasing that energy can do everything
from power cities (a nuclear power plant) to destroy them (a nuclear
bomb).
• Predicts the future!
2

11. A scientific theory:
Big Bang Theory
• The big bang theory postulates that the universe began almost 14 billion
years ago with a massive expansion event. At the time, the universe was
confined to a single point, encompassing all of the universe's matter. That
original movement continues today, as the universe keeps expanding
outward.
• Explains the past, the present and predicts the future!

12. A scientific theory:
PLACEBO EFFECT
• If you're given a pill and told it'll cure your headache, and your condition
improves even though the pill contains nothing but chalk, you have
experienced the placebo effect. If you believe in it strongly enough, almost
anything can have a placebo effect.
• Scientific tests under controlled conditions have shown that placebo effects
can be enhanced by giving people bigger pills, by giving them pink pills
rather than white ones, and by the perceived seniority of the doctor who's
prescribing the pill.
• Predicts the future!
If you believe in it strongly enough, almost
anything can have the placebo effect

13. A scientific theory:
MEMETICS
• Whenever we copy habits, skills, stories or any kind of information from
person to person, we're dealing in memes. The term was coined by
Richard Dawkins to describe 'cultural replicators' that copy and transmit
biological information. Humans copy memes, including ideas and skills,
through imitation and teaching; but they get changed, accidentally or on
purpose, so that culture evolves. This echoes the way species evolve as
genes mutate. Like genes, some memes are successful, while others
aren't. It's obvious why some memes spread - they're useful, or
aesthetically pleasing, like melodies. But some spread even though they
confer no clear benefit - things like computer viruses.
• Predicts the future!

14. An Architecture Theory:
Vitruvius
• "De architectura libri decem" (Ten Books on
Architecture), the oldest treatise on architecture to
survive in its entirety from pre-Christian times.
• Vitruvius' work is not simply a unique source off
information about the architecture of antiquity and its
principles, but has become the foundation for all
writings on architectural theory since the Renaissance.
• The three fundamental laws that Architecture must
obey, in order to be so considered: firmitas, utilitas,
venustas, translated in the 17th century by Sir Henry
Wotton into the English slogan firmness, commodity and
delight (meaning structural adequacy, functional
adequacy, and beauty).
• What architecture is!
Firmitas
firmness
Venustas
delight
Utilitas
commodity
Born: Rome ca. 80 B.C.
Died: Rome, ca. 20 B.C.

15. An Architecture Theory:
Le Corbusier
• The New Spirit of the 20th-century: The ideal house as “a
machine for living. Based on engineering achievements in
bridge building and steamship construction; on modern
materials such as ferroconcrete, sheet glass, and synthetics;
and on contemporary needs such as town
planning and housing projects.
• The International style of low-lying, unadorned buildings
that depend for aesthetic effect on simplicity of forms and
relation to function.
• What architecture should be!

16. How is Theory related to research Methodology?
Theory describes, explains, and predicts.
Research methodologies are:
1. Prescribed ways to test and prove or disprove those
descriptions, explanations, and predications.
2. Provide a means by which theoretical claims to
applicability beyond the particular case can be
affirmed, modified, or rejected.
Theories are more general, but research methodologies
are more specific.

17. Good Fit
• There are usually “good fits” between Theory
and Method (strategy).

18. 4.2. The Framework of Theory in
General
Six components of a theory (Moore)
1. Propositions/observations about some
aspect of the universe (something visible and
knowable)
2. Logical connections between the
propositions (abstract factors)
3. A set of conclusions drawn from #1 and #2
that the logical connections can be used to
predict the propositions or observations

19. 4.2. The Framework of Theory in
General
Six components of a theory (Moore)
4. Linkages to empirical reality; i.e. assumption that
the factors in #2 can be used to accurately
represent empirical reality. (Empirical is: Relying on or
derived from observation or experiment: empirical results
that supported the hypothesis. Verifiable or provable by
means of observation or experiment: empirical laws.
Guided by practical experience and not theory, especially in
medicine.)
5. A set of assumptions or presuppositions underlying
the theory.
6. Testability of the theory: related both to its internal
logical coherence (understandable by others) and
its applicability to other cases.

20. 4.2. The Framework of Theory in
General
2 added components of a theory (Moore)
1. Disciplinary domain
2. Philosophical axioms

21. Example of an Architectural Theory
• David Canter  Theory of
Place
• Physical environments take on
significance as a result of the
interaction of three domains:
Physical locale, Activity
performed in that locale and
the meanings assigned to that
union of place with activity.
• “Constituents of Places”
Physical
MeaningsActivities

22. 4.3. Different Ways to Conceptually Divide
Theory in General
4.3.1. Positive vs. Normative Theory
• Positive theory: Descriptive and explanatory – Identify causal
links - Predicts future behaviors of objects based on identified
causal links. (definite, scientific, logical rigor)
• Normative theory: Describe, explain and predicts future
behaviors based on long-term usage or accepted, but not
proven “truths”.
– These do not have the same rigor of proof (testing) as positive theory
and can have a variety of results. (Design or architectural theory)

23. John Lang “Creating Architectural Theory”
• Architectural theory: Behavioral concerns related to the
process of designing environments.
Positive
Theory
Design
fields
Normative
Theories
Positive
Theory
Current
Proposed
Design
fields
Normative
Theories

24. 4.3. Different Ways to Conceptually Divide
Theory in General
4.3.2. Big, Medium and Small Theories
• Big theories are large in scope — link several
phenomena into one explanatory framework that is
transferable to other disciplines
• Small theories are limited in scope — localized
explanations of things, not necessarily transferable to
other situations
• Medium theories have a little of both and are useful
within a certain discipline, but will not have wide
applicability across disciplines

25. Example of Middle-range Architectural
Theories
• Privacy
• Personal Space
• Territoriality
• Aging and the environment
• Environment and crime

26. Example of Middle-range Architectural
Theory
• Dan Cuff  “Excellent Buildings”
• Consumers or public
• Participants in the design process
• The Architectural Profession Consumer
ProfessionDesigners

27. 4.3. Different Ways to Conceptually Divide
Theory in General
4.3.3. Polemical Theories of Design
• Polemic: A controversial argument, especially one
refuting or attacking a specific opinion or doctrine. A
person engaged in or inclined to controversy,
argument, or refutation.
• In this case, different “theories” of architectural
design that take opposite or varying stances on a
certain concept.

28. Example of Polemically Theories Related to
Design Activities
• Set of visual attributes  Pugin
“pointed gothic architecture”
• How cultural time should be
expressed in architectural form 
Ginzburg, Venturi “Complexity and
Contradiction in Architecture”
• How natural processes ought to be
expressed in material form 
Sullivan “Form ever follows function”

29. Scientific Theories vs.
Theories of Design
• Designers tend to discuss ‘theories’ of what
should be done”
• Scientists refer to ‘theories’ of “what might be
the case”
Scientific
Theories
Design
Theories

30. 4.3. Different Ways to Conceptually Divide
Theory in General
4.3.4. Prediction vs. Persuasion
• Positive Theory identifies “causal” links that lead to
“predictions” of future behavior.
• Design “theories” tend to have less predictability
(no causal links, testing), and are based rather on
rhetoric and persuasion (generalizability depends on
how subjectively universal it claims to be or how
much it is understood by a large group of people; i.e.
cultural).
• Positive and polemical design theories emerge out of
a cultural context.

31. Example of Polemical Architectural Design
Theories
• Mies  “Less is More”
– Machine aesthetic
– Human identity

32. Example of Polemical Architectural Design
Theories
• Sullivan  “Form Ever Follows
Function”
It is the pervading law of all things organic
and inorganic,
Of all things physical and metaphysical,
Of all things human and all things super-
human,
Of all true manifestations of the head,
Of the heart, of the soul,
That the life is recognizable in its expression,
That form ever follows function.
This is the law.

33. Philosophy  Theory  Method
Philosophy Theory Strategy Tactics

34. Thank You.