Histories, Theories and Matters of Concern

I have found Japanese architecture very interesting to research in this weeks blog as it differs in many ways to that of European architecture that i have been previously looking at… Japanese structures are traditionally built for the summer and therefore are very open and lack a sense of ‘security’. They typically may feature transparent, sliding doors as the main access into the house. The Japanese share spaces such as gardens with their neighbours. Traditionally, structures are built from wood and elevated off the ground with tiled/ thatched roofs. Spaces are extremely functional, for example walls can be partitioned by grooves in the floor to slide and allow easy change to the layout and therefore use of the space. This a clever use of material as it can create different environments in summer or winter depending on how the partitions are arranged, somewhat acting as ‘clothes’ for the house. The word ‘ shoji ’ is a term to describe the partitions between rooms. This can make the li...

' Epistemology ' is ultimately the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity and scope, and the distinction between justified belief and opinion.  In relation to history and theory in architecture, epistemology could suggest a cross-cultural and historical  evolution of architectural styles as seen through the branches of Banister Fletcher's 'The Tree of Architecture'' which originates from five periods (Peruvian, Egyptian, Greek, Assyrian and Chinese and Japanese).  Accountability as a Matter of Concern: As an act of care and concern in the histories and theories includes all forms of knowledge from every corner of the world. we should acknowledge and question where our knowledge comes from.   Application: Indigenous Knowledge  Recent years recent has demonstrated that many indigenous knowledge systems outside of the west have much to offer such as mathematics, sciences and humanities. I believe that understanding where knowledge...