difficult words

Definitions of words and precise use of language has been one underlying theme in our studios during this first year of architecture school, and our readings of architectural theory has supported the idea that words in architecture seem to have a dual functionality. One one hand they add a level of precision to the communication of visual ideas, leading to the creation of a specialized language for architecture. Other uses and methods of understanding words and discourse are utilized by both Stan Allen and Van Berkel & Bos.

Stan allen uses many communication-related language to explain the importance of the diagram. Many of these words I had to look up.

language
literature
translation
transposition - translation/interpretation/transformation??
hermeneutics - a method of interpretation
rubus - a representation of words or syllables by pictures of objects or by symbols whose names resemble the intended words or syllables in sound

Stan Allen uses the analogy of the the interpretation of the dream of Alexander of Macedon to demonstrate the materiality of words. He concludes with, "In this sense, words are made to behave like architecture rather than architeture being made to behave like discourse."

Van Berkel and Bos utilizes the idea of discourse theory to describe the efficacy of diagrams.
...out of time...! ... perhaps more later..