Building knowledge in architecture

Building Knowledge in Architecture offers the necessary means for an improved understanding of individually used design methodologies in both academic and professional environments. Foque establishes a general design theory based on the axioms of pragmatic thinking, a crucial unity between experience and the process of learning, and between conceptual thought and situational consciousness. Building Knowledge develops a theoretical framework and practical instrumentation to establish a knowledge base for the discipline of architecture.

Part one of the book presents design methods as a third way of investigating reality apart from scientific methods or the conception of art. By describing thescience-philosophical context, Foque extensively analyses the nature of design activity and the design process, its inherent characteristics, and the differences between science and art. As such, it is argued that design processes have a research dimension an sich, which are essentially contextual and action driven. Foque offers an integrated and comprehensive perspective to understand design activity both from an epistemological and practical standpoint. This results in an expanded discourse about the true nature of architectural design processes.

Within this theoretical framework, part two explains how case study research is a primordial means to establish a knowledge base for the discipline and profession of architecture. From this premise, Foque compares case study research in law, medicine and business administration and develops a practical and comprehensive approach to case studies in architecture. The methodology offers a solid and general framework wherein a consistent body of knowledge regarding architectural design processes can be generated. This promotes deeper insight in the complex relationship between context, product and process, which governs every design process on the one hand, and between the several stakeholders involved on the other hand.

For educators and students, Building Knowledge is an essential text not only as a provocative guide to design processes in architecture and case study research but also as preparation for the profession. For the practitioner, Building Knowledge offers the opportunity to reflect on the impact and motivations of decision-making that will ultimately lead to more responsive design solutions.