Contact:cdent@burningchrome.com
Tesar, P. (1991). The other side of types. In G. Rockcastle (Ed.)
_Midgard Monographs of Architectural Theory and Criticism, Number
2_ (p. 165-175).
-=-=-
WOW. Well written, interesting; we should have more of these.
While trying to deduce how meaning in architecture is reached, Tesar
provides a lucid description of how and why humans create types
(categories). In the process we get to read a few lovely turns of
phrase, such as: "Equilibrium becomes possible only through tr
conctant adaptive struggle to maintain it and is ultimately achieved
in death." and "our perception is permeated by an 'urge to recognize,'
an initial tendency to make a new phenomenon fit into an existing
category."
I wonder if the labels on genera are the same as the labels on
categories, or really the question is in what way are categories not
genera?
It is fabulous that the fundamental way to discuss the idea of
categorization/typification is to compare it with other ideas.
The buttons example clearly demonstrates that it is the relationships
between things which contains information. This is shown again, from a
different angle, with the "Couples" art exhibit. One thing cannot
suggest a category but two can and once suggested exemples spring to
mind.
What is that process? That's one of the keys.
Back to the Index