• Page from Sir Henry Wotton's translation of "De architectura," published in 1624

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[edit] Abstract[edit]

'De architectura', written by the Roman architect Vitruvius around 30–20 BC, is considered the earliest known treatise on architecture.

The initial purpose of this article is:—

• to give due acknowledgement to Vitruvius’ original conception of architecture – i.e firmness, commodity and delight.

However, this article assumes:—

• ... that Vitruvius’ original conception of architecture needs updating.
• ... that Cedric Price’s work comes closest to doing so.

The ultimate purpose of this article is therefore:—

• to establish a valid new ordering.

Theoretical premise or hypothesis

In 1996, Cedric Price wrote:—

• "To establish a valid equation between contemporary social aspirations and architecture it is essential to add to the latter doubt, delight and change as design criteria."

• According to the Canadian Centre for Architecture:—
• "(Cedric Price) worked from the premise that in order to establish a valid equation between contemporary social aspirations and architecture, it is essential to add to the latter "Doubt, Delight, and Change," as design criteria."

A theoretical premise is a foundational idea or proposition that serves as the basis for a theory or argument. It is assumed to be true and is used to support further reasoning or conclusions.

[edit] Definition of Theoretical Premise

A theoretical premise is a foundational idea or proposition that serves as the basis for a theory or argument. It is assumed to be true and is used to support further reasoning or conclusions.

[edit] Characteristics of Theoretical Premises

[edit] Nature of Premises

• Propositional: A theoretical premise is a declarative statement that can be true or false.
• Supportive Role: It provides the groundwork for developing arguments or theories.

[edit] Importance in Arguments

• Validity: An argument is valid if the conclusion logically follows from the premises.
• Soundness: An argument is sound if it is valid and all its premises are true.

[edit] Examples of Theoretical Premises

[edit] Common Usage

• Syllogism: In a classic example, "All men are mortal" and "Socrates is a man" are premises leading to the conclusion "Socrates is mortal."
• Assumptions in Research: A research project may start with the premise that "all humans have basic needs," guiding its hypotheses and conclusions.

[edit] Implicit Premises

• Sometimes, premises are not explicitly stated but are understood. For instance, in the argument about human equality, the underlying premise is that "all men are created equal."

Understanding theoretical premises is crucial for evaluating the strength and validity of arguments in various fields, including philosophy, science, and logic.

Methods or analytical framework

modus operandi was to question.

Synopsis might include:

1. Central research question
2. Theoretical premise or hypothesis
3. Methods or analytical framework
4. Key case studies or material (e.g., IFCCA entries)
5. Core findings or conclusions
6. Contribution to architectural knowledge

In 1996, Cedric Price wrote:—

"To establish a valid equation between contemporary social aspirations and architecture it is essential to add to the latter doubt, delight and change as design criteria." According to the Canadian Centre for Architecture:—

• "(Cedric Price) worked from the premise that in order to establish a valid equation between contemporary social aspirations and architecture, it is essential to add to the latter "Doubt, Delight, and Change," as design criteria."

modus operandi - to question

Notes

A thesis synopsis is a concise summary of your research proposal. It serves as a roadmap for your study and typically includes:

1. Title: A clear and engaging title for your research.
2. Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and its significance.
3. Research Question: Clearly state the main question your research aims to address.
4. Objectives: Outline the goals of your research.
5. Methodology: Provide a rough idea of your research methods.
6. Literature Review: Summarize existing studies and identify gaps your research will fill.

Introduction might include:

1. Context and motivation (why this topic, why now)
2. Definition of key terms (e.g., “progressing architecture”, “adaptive environments”)
3. Literature and precedent review (evolution of discourse since 1972)
4. Identification of the research gap
5. Research questions and objectives
6. Methodological positioning (comparative, historical, theoretical)
7. Thesis structure overview (how the argument unfolds)

Notes

The introduction of a thesis sets the stage for your research. It should include:

1. Context: Introduce the research field and explain its importance.
2. Problem Statement: Clearly define the research problem or gap.
3. Significance: Highlight the potential impact of your study.
4. Objectives: Share your research goals and expected outcomes.
5. Thesis Structure: Provide a roadmap of the chapters to follow.

• Reconstruction - view of interior

• English title page of the first edition of Giacomo Leoni's translation of Alberti's De Re Aedificatoria (1452). Source: Heidelberg University

• Drawings of San Sebastiano, Mantua, Italy. Source: Marco Introini

• Gallery of Marco Introini's photographs of San Sebastiano, Mantua, Italy.

• St Paul's Covent Garden. Source: Matt Brown

• The Banqueting House, Whitehall, 1619–22 (photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

• The Chapel of Pembroke College, Cambridge, England, seen from the east. Source: Steve Cadman

According to Pembroke College:—

"The Chapel is not only Christopher Wren’s first work, but almost the first English church or chapel in the Classical style, preceded only by Inigo Jones’s church of St Paul, Covent Garden, now rebuilt after a fire in 1795." [*}

• St Paul's Cathedral. Source: The Warden and Fellows of All Souls College, Oxfrord

• Architectural brief. Source: CPA/CCA• Sundry notes. Source: CPA/CCA

Read the notes in full

• Article by Joan Littlewood. Source: New Scientist

• Copy of the original article “People’s Palaces” by Reyner Banham, New Statesman, 7 August 1964. Source: CCA

• Facsimile. Source: Norman Fellows fonds, courtesy of CCA

Read the full report

• Facsimile. Source: Norman Fellows fonds

Learn More

• Facsimile. Source: Norman Fellows fonds

Learn More

• Map of the PTb showing main routes, transfer, faculty and housing areas—Reproduced from GitHub. Source: Norman Fellows fonds

Learn More

Finding Aid. Source: Norman Fellows fonds, courtesy of CCA

• 'Textual records from the Atom file at the CCA'

Read in full

• 'Facsimiles of ATOM spreads designed by Cedric Price'

• Facsimile of 'Diagrammatic plan of new town with typical links...' designed by Cedric Price

• Facsimile of 'Glossary of educational facilities'

• Life Conditioner Box. Source: CPA/CCA

• Life Conditioner Tent. Source: CPA/CCA

• Site plan. Source: CPA/CCA

• Exterior view of Inter-Action Centre showing a temporary fair. Source: CPA/CCA

• Generator. Source: CPA/ Architectural Review, January 1980.

• Views of models for cubes. Source: CPA/CCA

• "Anticipating the unexpected". Source: CPA/the Architects' Journal

Read the full article

• Covent Garden, Soho Square, Burgess Park, Milton Keynes. p.32 Source: CPA/the Architects' Journal

• Annotated sketches, p.38 Source: CPA/the Architects' Journal

• View from within the Hudson Sleeve. Source: CPA/CCA

• Perspective view looking east from the Hudson River. Source: CPA/CCA

• Presentation sketch for modification to the Westyard Building. Source: CPA/CCA

• View of site from south with proposed Hudson Sleeve, laser transmission tower, southern extension to Javits Convention Center and City Sleeve. Source: CPA/CCA

[edit] 1 Developing a Central Research Question

[edit] 1.1 Identifying my focus

This thesis starts with a broad topic of interest, namely:—

• the equation between Human aspirations and the Inanimate.

The preliminary readings I conducted in order to understand the existing research and identify distinct themes are listed in the Bibliography...

They matter because ...

[edit] 1.2 Narrowing down the question

The general equation can be narrowed down to a specific one, namely:—

• the equation between contemporary social aspirations and architecture

[edit] 1.3 Clarifying terminology

The key terms used in the question are therefore 'aspirations' and 'architecture'.

• 'They are not defined at this stage - their meanings will emerge through the argument, rather than being presupposed.

The central research question may therefore be expressed provisionally as:—

• What is missing from the equation between contemporary social aspirations and architecture?

why incomplete?

2. Theoretical premise or hypothesis

In 1996, Cedric Price wrote:—

• "To establish a valid equation between contemporary social aspirations and architecture it is essential to add to the latter doubt, delight and change as design criteria."

Message (fax) from Cedric Price addressed to the IFCCA Prize Coordinator (document from the IFPRI project records)

• "The need to equate the involvement of Human aspirations with the form, movement and 'life' span of the Inanimate is still an incomplete equation which requires continuous updating."

• According to the Canadian Centre for Architecture:—
• "(Cedric Price) worked from the premise that in order to establish a valid equation between contemporary social aspirations and architecture, it is essential to add to the latter "Doubt, Delight, and Change," as design criteria."

Notes

A theoretical premise is a foundational idea or proposition that serves as the basis for a theory or argument. It is assumed to be true and is used to support further reasoning or conclusions.

[edit] Definition of Theoretical Premise

A theoretical premise is a foundational idea or proposition that serves as the basis for a theory or argument. It is assumed to be true and is used to support further reasoning or conclusions.

[edit] Characteristics of Theoretical Premises

[edit] Nature of Premises

• Propositional: A theoretical premise is a declarative statement that can be true or false.
• Supportive Role: It provides the groundwork for developing arguments or theories.

[edit] Importance in Arguments

• Validity: An argument is valid if the conclusion logically follows from the premises.
• Soundness: An argument is sound if it is valid and all its premises are true.

[edit] Examples of Theoretical Premises

[edit] Common Usage

• Syllogism: In a classic example, "All men are mortal" and "Socrates is a man" are premises leading to the conclusion "Socrates is mortal."
• Assumptions in Research: A research project may start with the premise that "all humans have basic needs," guiding its hypotheses and conclusions.

[edit] Implicit Premises

• Sometimes, premises are not explicitly stated but are understood. For instance, in the argument about human equality, the underlying premise is that "all men are created equal."

Understanding theoretical premises is crucial for evaluating the strength and validity of arguments in various fields, including philosophy, science, and logic.

3. Methods or analytical framework

modus operandi was to question.

Notes

A central research question is a specific question that guides a research project, focusing on a particular issue or problem that the study aims to address. It helps narrow down a broad topic into a manageable area of study and influences the research methodology and analysis.

[edit] Understanding Central Research Questions

A central research question is a key element of any research project. It guides the study and helps to focus the research efforts. Here’s how to develop one effectively.

[edit] Steps to Develop a Central Research Question

• Identify Your Focus

Start with a broad topic of interest. Conduct preliminary readings to understand the existing research and identify distinct themes.

• Narrow Down the Question

Refine your broad question into a more specific one. Ensure it is neither too broad nor too narrow, allowing for significant contributions to the field.

• Clarify Terminology

Define any key terms used in your question to avoid ambiguity.

[edit] Characteristics of a Good Central Research Question

• Open-Ended: It should not be answerable with a simple "yes" or "no."
• Neutral: The question should be unbiased and not suggest a particular answer.
• Clear and Specific: It must be well-formulated to avoid multiple interpretations.
• Feasible: Ensure that it can be answered within the constraints of time, resources, and available data.

[edit] Examples of Central Research Questions

Topic Central Research Question

Urban Agriculture

To what extent do findings on urban agriculture in North America apply to Dutch cities?

Traffic Management

How has the introduction of tolls influenced traffic distribution and employment accessibility in Cape Town?

Policy Implementation

What factors define interactive policy, and how do they affect the implementation of spatial plans in municipalities?

These examples illustrate how to frame a central research question that is relevant and researchable.

Wikipedia | R Research Online Degrees & Colleges

[edit] 1 Developing a Central Research Question

[edit] 1.1 Identifying my focus

This thesis starts with my continuing interest in a broad topic, namely:—

• 'Architecture'

The preliminary readings I conducted in order to understand the existing research and identify distinct themes included:—

• Price, C. (1966) 'Life-conditioning', AD/10/66.
• Price, C. (1966) 'PTb', AD/10/66.
• Dugdale et al. (1969) 'Medikit', AD/10/69.
• Price, C. ed.(1968) 'Learning', AD/5/68.
• Price, C. (1970-72) 'Cedric Price Supplement', Nos. 1-5, AD/10/70; AD/1/71; AD/6/71; AD/10/71; AD/1/72.
• Landau, R. ed. (1972) 'Complexity,' AD/10/72.
• Mullin, S. (1976) 'Cedric Price: or still keeps going when everything else has stopped', AD/5/76.

A copy of these readings entitled 'Borrowed Titles" was enclosed with my letter to Cedric Price dated 15 October 1977 (see reply - right).

They matter because they provided a basis for this thesis.

[edit] 1.2 Narrowing down the question

The broad topic of architecture can be narrowed down to a specific one, namely:—

• 'Anticipatory Design'

[edit] 1.3 Clarifying terminology

The key terms used in the question are therefore 'Architecture' and 'Anticipatory Design'.

• 'Architecture' and 'Anticipatory Design' are not defined at this stage - their meanings will emerge through the argument, rather than being presupposed.

The central research question may therefore be expressed provisionally as:—

• What is the relation between 'Architecture' and 'Anticipatory Design'?

• Facsimile of letter from Cedric Price. Source: Norman Fellows fonds

[edit] 1.4 Recognising a formative exchange

In 1977, a brief letter from Cedric Price advised me to “concentrate rather on aims than objects.” The correspondence also noted my “interest” — a term whose ambiguity has, in retrospect, proved instructive. Whether it referred to the my curiosity or to a shared field of attention, this moment established the double perspective that continues to guide the present research, namely:—

• that architecture may be understood not merely as a production of objects but as a dynamic ordering of interests.

[edit] 1 Developing a Central Research Question

[edit] 1.1 Identifying my focus

This thesis starts with a broad topic of interest, namely:—

• Cedric Price's "extreme interest in participation in the IFCCA project." [1]

The preliminary readings I conducted in order to understand the existing research and identify distinct themes began in August 19677

They matter because Cedric Price's entry to the IFCCA project ... the concept of architecture as part of the commons.

1.2 Narrowing down the question

The broad topic above can be narrowed down to a specific one, namely:—

• the interest "noted" by Cedric Price in his reply to my letter and enclosed list of readings. [2]

[edit] 1.3 Clarifying terminology

The key terms used in the question are captured in Cedric Price's letter (figure 2). However, they are ambiguous.

Thus the focus of this thesis is the resolution of the ambiguities od the terms used by CP in his letter.

• Figure 1: Fax from Cedric Price. Source: Cedric Price fonds, CCA.

• Figure 2: Facsimile of letter from Cedric Price. Source: Norman Fellows fonds.

The central research question may therefore be expressed provisionally as:—

• How can the ambiguities contained in CP's letter be resolved?