Lecture 1.3: Typology

00:02:07
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm0MFQKrbbw

Summary

TLDRIn architectural design, the concept of typology goes beyond merely categorizing structures like warehouses or apartments into functional types. Although functional typologies have their place, they're fundamentally limited. More nuanced is the notion from French architectural theorists that the idea of a 'type' is not about replicating exact models but about identifying an element or rule that allows for multiple variations, exemplified by Pilate's villas. These villas follow a single geometric rule, creating diverse yet related forms. They also reflect and arise from social functions and codes, representing the conventions and social dynamics of their time.

Takeaways

  • 🏢 Typology isn't just about functional categories like warehouses or apartments.
  • 🔄 A building type can transform, e.g., warehouses to apartments.
  • 🧩 Typology as a concept involves rules or elements that guide design.
  • 📐 Pilate's villas are examples of variations from a single rule.
  • 🏛️ Villas reflect emerging social functions and class dynamics.
  • 🔍 The notion of 'type' goes beyond mere replication of models.
  • 📜 Architecture represents social conventions and historical context.
  • ⚙️ It's crucial to understand both function and representative aspects of types.
  • 📈 Typology helps in understanding architectural evolution.
  • 🌀 Not just a design model, but a guide for generating iterative designs.

Timeline

  • 00:00:00 - 00:02:07

    The fundamental concept of typology in architectural design goes beyond simple functional categories like 'the warehouse type' or 'the apartment type', which are often limited. Typology, as explained by French architectural theorists, should not focus on replicating exact models but should serve as a guiding rule for generating variations. For example, the villas designed by Palladio do not simply imitate one another; they are variations produced from a single set of design principles. These architectural forms serve both functional and social purposes, reflecting historical and social conventions through their design.

Mind Map

Mind Map

Video Q&A

  • What is architectural typology?

    Typology in architecture refers to the concept of classifying buildings based on certain rules or elements, rather than just their function.

  • How does typology differ from functional type?

    While functional types categorize buildings based on use, typology involves understanding underlying rules that allow for diverse yet related architectural designs.

  • What is an example of typology in architecture?

    Pilate's villas represent an example where a single geometric rule generates multiple variations, reflecting the concept of typology.

  • Can building types change their function?

    Yes, buildings like warehouses can be converted into apartments, illustrating the transformation of functional types.

  • Why is understanding typology important in architecture?

    It allows architects to appreciate and utilize the underlying designs and rules that generate variations, accounting for social and cultural contexts.

  • How does architecture represent social conventions?

    Through design and typology, architecture reflects the social codes, class dynamics, and historical context of its time.

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  • 00:00:08
    one of the most fundamental concepts
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    that you'll learn in architectural
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    design is a concept of typology which
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    literally just means the logic of types
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    when we think of typology we might think
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    in terms of a functional typology like
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    the warehouse type or the apartment type
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    now this is not wrong but it's very very
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    limiting a warehouse might be converted
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    into an apartment building and an
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    apartment building is converted into a
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    boutique and a Palazzo was converted
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    into a hospital and Hospital into a
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    school a more interesting notion of
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    typology comes from the French
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    architectural theorists cut American see
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    the word type does not represent so much
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    the image of something that must be
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    copied or imitated perfectly as the idea
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    of an element that must itself serve as
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    a rule for the model the functional type
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    is not wrong but we need a theory of
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    type that's more fundamental we need a
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    theory of type that would account for
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    the way Pilate owes diagram generates
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    multiple variations of the villa one of
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    Pilate owes villas is not a model for
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    the other it's rather the case that a
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    single rule exists a single set of
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    procedures a geometrical organization
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    that produces variations on the villa
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    type it's important that Pilate owes
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    villas serve a social function their
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    farmhouses there are also
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    representations of a gentry class that's
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    emerging into its own at a particular
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    moment in history but all that sub
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    stratum of conventions of patronage of
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    social codes and conventions is emerging
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    through the very appearance of the villa
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    type that is to say the social
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    conventions are represented through the
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    architecture
Tags
  • Architecture
  • Typology
  • Design Theory
  • Variability
  • Pilate's Villas
  • Functional Type
  • Social Function
  • Geometric Rules
  • Architectural Theory