Lebbeus Woods: theory + experimentation

Abstract

Lebbeus Woods is an experimental architect whose work has become well known through his graphic images and written manifestos. Woods attempts to transform society and urban form through invention and experimentation, using architecture as his primary instrument of change. The empty, meaningless spaces of his architecture challenges the inhabitants to live experimentally and without restrictions. So far none of his projects have been built, mainly because he refuses to be tied down by a client's program. This aim of this report is to discover whether Lebbeus Woods' definition of architecture is a valid one, or does architecture need to be built? To do this, the relevance of theoretical architecture to the architectural profession and the relationship between aspects of current architectural theory and Woods' work will. Historical precedents for Woods' ideas and images are analyzed, including Piranesi's Carceri etchings and Sant'Elia's Futurist Manifesto. Then the central ideas and theories encapsulated within Woods' work and a selection of Woods' projects are examined. The conclusions indicate that Lebbeus Woods' ultimate aim of a truly free architecture, in tune with the chaos of both the physical world as we know it and the manmade world of modernity, must indeed be literally beyond building.