Uncomfortable marriage: on the nature of the theory/practice relationship

Abstract

Part one After a brief definition of both theory and practice part one goes on to examine the nature of their relationship. This examination reveals the underlying issues which gave motivation for the subsequent research. The main issues of concern to the author are: - The problematic nature of the relationship between theory and practice. - The importance of their interaction to achieve a responsible, legitimate and progressive architecture. - Theory and practice are produced and operate within various contexts. If theory is to hold any relevance it must engage with the socio-political issues provided by these contexts. Part two Having established a theoretical framework from which to work in part one, part two draws on a specific architect and project (Bernard Tschumi's Parc de la Villette). Tschumi and La Villette are merely used as a vehicle for exploration. I felt that in order to test and explore the relationship of theory to practice it was essential to locate my argument around a real completed project. It is hoped that the interrogation of Tschumi's ideas and their concrete realisation in Parc de la Villette will provide some insight into the success/failure/indifference of Tschumi's attempt to bridge the theory/practice rift. Part two begins then with a brief outline of the theoretical motivations behind Parc de la Villette. A look at the social and political context surrounding, the park follows, questioning whether Tschumi's theoretical intentions recognise and engage with these issues successfully. The middle section of part two looks at Parc de la Villette as a theoretical work. It asks the question: can a built work satisfy the expectations of a (deconstructive) theory of architecture? Finally part two proposes that although the interaction of theory and practice is crucial to achieve an architecture of substance, their very interaction seems to strip each of its potential. For example, the political potential of deconstructive theory seems to be negated by its practical application. The acknowledgement of the social, political and economic forces surrounding each architectural project is essential for the creation of a responsible and significant architecture.