Form and meaning in architectural theory

Abstract

Often architectural theory has been articulated on prescriptive views about what architecture should be, rather than on views formulated from historical experiences and examples of architecture. In this paper I will try to offer readings of architectural form by looking at a historical example from classical Ottoman architecture and at contemporary examples, to show how different architectures treat form. In examples taken from Sinan's architecture, symbols are investigated in relation to movement, to urban settlement, to religion and power. It is hoped that this analysis will offer an understanding of how the significance of architecture in human experience and in the urban context goes beyond structure and function