A taxonomy of concepts in architecture : A new tool for analysis and synthesis in architectural design processes according to Domain Theory

Architecture fulfills a variety of functions in society, identifiable as phenomena occurring in different fields. In design the fields are integrated in architectural objects. The authors identify and interpret these phenomena as concepts. They propose the arrangement of the concepts in a taxonomy, yielding a complete and systematic description of the architectural field. Domain Theory provided the rules governing the completeness and consistency of the taxonomy. Concepts are considered types in architecture with structural properties, enabling the generation of variant solutions when confronted" with a context. The taxonomy is a hierarchical system of concepts. However, this stratification does not imply any sequence of design activities. The suitability of the taxonomy as a tool for design, analysis and evaluation of architectural artefacts and design strategies is discussed. The taxonomy has a.o. proved to be a useful tool for the reformulation of Article 3 of the European Directive on Architecture of 10 June 1985, which enumerates the demands to be met by European education and training programmes in the field of architecture. The new, reformulated version of this article is defined in a more consistent way in order to facilitate the comparison of educational curricula in the EC Member States. The taxonomy is expected to be useful for the articulation of design data bases and the structure of a menu of commands for automated design systems.