Teori, Arsitektur dan Teori Arsitektur

Mata Kuliah Teori Arsitektur I

Prodi S1 Arsitektur FT Unila
2.1 Theories and Concepts in UD PL4112 - Week #3

1. DEFINITION AND SCOPE

OF THEORY

Definition of Theory :
“A system of ideas or statements -a mental schema- that is
believed to describe and explain a phenomenon or a group of
phenomena” (Lang 1987: 13).

“A system of ideas that is held as an explanation for a

phenomenon or a group of facts” (Rowe 1989: 165)

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 The Functions of Theory

To describe the world and explain the accumulation of facts about

the world
To formulate structure of concept to arrange and explain
observation

“A theory cannot be proved.

It stands until its disapproved”
(Lang 1987: 14)

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 Substance of Theory

Description (Descriptive Theory)

Explanation (Explanatory Theory):
consistent and confirms other descriptions

Creation (Design Theory):

concept of structure to arrange and explain observations

Strengths/utilities:
Concept of structure is used to :

Describe/explain what is going on

Predict what will happen

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 Value and Power of Theory
(Lang 1985: 14)

Depends on its power to explain and predict

Successful theory :
simple but powerful generalization about the world and how it operates
enable us to predict accurately future operation.

“Design may work in theory,

but not [necessarily] in practice”

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 Theory Building

To understand and recognize the complexity and chaos of

environment as a consequence of variety of life

Able to deal with various issues related to design

Able to make prediction that may occur as an impact of an

urban design product

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2. CLASSIFICATION OF THEORY

Positive Theory
Normative Theory
Substantive Theory
Descriptive
Explanatory

Procedural Theory

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 Positive Theory

Positive statements, assertions about reality. …untested act

of faith, or ideally, one that has been tested using scientific
methods (Lang 1987 13)

Based on the occurrence of elements of the world (invariant;

highly degree of regularity; or random), to predict how these patterns
will occur

Accumulation of facts about the world

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 Positive Theory
(Lang 1987: 14)

“intrinsically tentative and subject to revision in the face of the

first deviant case that does not conform to its explanation and
prediction” (Roberts 1969, in Lang 1987)
The functions of positive theory :
“..to enable people to derive a large number of descriptive statements from
a single explanatory statements”
“..to raise to consciousness behaviors in the built environment that are
important to people that therefore should have an impact on design decisions.”
“..to be value-free, avoid bias, to look for alternative explanations, and to
apply rules of scientific method to observation and explanation”

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 Normative Theory
(Lang 1987)

Build on positive theory; based on:

how the world works, and
perception of good and bad; right and wrong; desirable and undesirable; working
well or working badly

Articulate and interpret behavior, value and environment (Lynch)

Ambiguous:
“what has been consensually agreed upon, the norms for a given time”
“what ought to be - what a good world is”

Value-laden statements of philosophers, politician, architect, etc on what ought to be

Useful for action-oriented professions: guidelines and principles simplify the

process of making decisions.

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 Substantive Theory

Concerned with the nature of the phenomena with which

architects and planners have to deal in their work (quality, function,
afford, aesthetic, etc.)

“Natural-environmental theory”:
describe and explain nature of materials, geometry, structures, and
interplay between natural forces and the artificial environment

“Person-environmental theory”:
describe and explain 3D layout of environment that can afford
different organisms for their habitats

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 Procedural Theory

nature of praxis in environmental design

Description and process of how built environment
(interior, buildings, landscape, etc) is self-consciously
designed
Concerned with design methodology

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2.1 Theories and Concepts in UD PL4112 - Week #3

3. THE FRAMEWORK OF
THEORY

Subject Matter Orientation of Theory

of Theory Positive Normative

Positive Professed
Procedural Procedural
Theory Practiced

Positive Professed
Substantive Substantive
Theory Practiced

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 SUBSTANTIVE
■ the nature of the phenomena with
which architects and planners
have to deal in their work (quality,
function, afford, aesthetic, etc.)
POSITIVE ▪ Consists of:
- “Natural-environmental theory”
- “Person-environmental theory”
▪ Articulate and interpret behavior,
value and environment (Lynch)
▪ Based on consensus agreed and
the norms for a given time”
▪ “What ought to be - what a good
PROCEDURAL
• Nature of praxis in
environmental design
• Description and
process of how built
environment (interior,
buildings, landscape,
etc) is self-consciously
designed
• Concerned with design
methodology

NORMATIVE world is”

▪ Value-laden statements on what
ought to be
▪ For action-oriented professions
 SUBSTANTIVE
∙Figure Ground Theory (Trancik)
∙Linkage Theory (Trancik)
∙Place Theory (Trancik)
POSITIVE
∙Theories of Perception
∙Image of the City (Lynch)
PROCEDURAL
∙ Internalized Method (Shirvani)
∙ Incremental Method (Shirvani)
∙ Fragmental Method (Shirvani)
∙ Radical Method (Shirvani)

∙Cosmic Theory (Lynch) ∙ Rational Method (Shirvani)

∙Mechanic Theory (Lynch) ∙ Synoptic Method (Shirvani)
∙Organic Theory (Lynch) ∙ Scientific Design Process
∙Garden City (Howard) (Moughtin)
∙Beautiful City (Olmsted)
∙Linkage Theory (Trancik)
NORMATIVE ∙Place Theory (Trancik)
∙Functionalist theory (Attoe)
∙Broadacre City (Wright)
∙Radiant City (Le Corbusier)
∙Good City (Lynch)
∙Transit-Oriented Development
(Calthrope)