The Nature of Interpretation in Architectural criticism

Abstract

The expressive systems in architecture consists of two components: the system of forms and the system of meanings, these systems are linked together by unwritten rules, which are a matrix of correlations / implications that determine any meanings associated with any forms. The designer remains unsure of the possible interpretations of his design, because of the variation in the nature of meaning, discovered by the recipient, and this stems from the variation of reliance on the theory of interpretation in this regard. Many studies of architectural semiology indicate some of these theories; Classical theory believes in the natural meaning, which influenced by form's geometry, Pragmatic theory believes in the common meaning, which stems from the use of form within different contexts and according to social custom. The research attempts to explore the aspects of interpretation adopted by two critics, in order to determine the theory adopted by them, so the designer will be aware to the nature and type of meaning comprehended by viewers. The results showed the adoption of common and inclusive meanings, also showed the variation in the role of architectural Expressions in confirming or multiplying the meaning, influenced by contexts and signal types. The conclusion emphasized the importance of historical references, stylistic trend, and spatial contexts in form interpretation.