Inscription : between architectural theory and practice

Abstract

Architectural theory and practice, and relations between them are investigated. Pierre Bourdieu's concepts of habitus and symbolic capital link theories and practices to the contexts of their generation and reception through the strategic operation of individuals. Bernard Tschumi's development of theory over time demonstrates relations between architectural theory and its strategic contexts. Theory and practice are found to be separate, equivalent, analogous and overlapping forms of architectural 'inscription' which may be indifferent, complementary or conflictual in their relations. The end of architectural inscription, whatever its form, is the object inscribed and the contexts inscribing it which together await reinterpretation.