Opening history

Journal article, 2008

To open history, the question-mark is the most powerful tool. What does the work say? Conventional labels of "style" are no answers; they just give a semblance of order. Look for the motive, not for superficial similarities in motifs, as these contain traps. An influence may equally result in a reaction - "this is not what I want to do". Architecture is a conditioned art; the architect is not a free artist. To understand a work of architecture, the conditions behind it must be sought out as thoroughly as possible. Understanding a historical work may reveal alternative conventions which had become forgotten. Remember that architecture is an operative field of knowledge. In theoretical speculation, practically anything might be said; the challenge is to produce an operative theory which may help better design.