Rationalism in Architecture: Use and Construction

This lecture discusses the concept of rationalism in architecture, emphasizing the application of rules through reason. It defines reason as the process of making sense of real experiences, which is crucial in architecture where real experience is tied to use and construction. The instructor outlines the historical evolution of modern architecture, highlighting the increasing recognition of use and construction as fundamental to architectural logic. Rationalism is presented as a tradition that values the reality of these elements, while also addressing its ideological connections to capitalist development and the need for reform. The lecture further explores the relationship between architecture and labor, particularly the dynamics between urban and rural work, and the social mobility that arises from urbanization. The discussion includes references to historical architectural examples, such as the transition from basilicas to cathedrals, and the standardization of plans in Cistercian monasteries, illustrating how these concepts manifest in architectural practice.