Experimental architecture  

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Experimental Architecture is a branch of the architectural discipline concerned with the development of conceptual projects challenging conventional and consolidated practices. Its main objective is to explore original paths of thought and develop innovative design tools and methodologies.

Foundation

Experimental Architecture was brought into discourse by Peter Cook (architect) in 1970, with the publication of the book "Experimental Architecture". Through critical readings of several twentieth century projects - architectural and urban - Cook instigated ways of counteracting the architectural rules that “falls back upon tradition, stylization, or cant.”

Definition

The definition of Experimental Architecture as a distinct disciplinary field is mostly due to the work and research of Lebbeus Woods, who devoted his career to the exploration of the potential carried by an experimental approach to architecture. In 1988 Woods founded the Research Institute for Experimental Architecture (RIEA), with the intent to promote and develop experimental methods within architectural education and practice. The first RIEA conference on Experimental Architecture was held August 4–8, 1989, at Emmond Farms, New York. Since then, Experimental Architecture has influenced the pedagogy of various schools and institutions, such as SCI-ARC, Los Angeles; Cooper Union, New York; and The Bartlett School of Architecture, London.

Methodology

Following Woods’ scholarship, Experimental Architecture applies a scientific approach to research, requiring that developments of tools and methodologies can be recorded, evaluated and discussed among community of peers. The contextualization in scientific tradition derives, for example, from Woods’ interest in Newton’s cause-and-effect determinism; his critique of Descartes; and his dedication to deploy design practices for exploring alternatives to Cartesian space.





Unless indicated otherwise, the text in this article is either based on Wikipedia article "Experimental architecture" or another language Wikipedia page thereof used under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License; or on research by Jahsonic and friends. See Art and Popular Culture's copyright notice.

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