Between Theory and Practice in Architectural Design

Between Theory and Practice in Architectural Design: Imagination and Interdisciplinarity in the Art of Building examines the intersection of philosophy and practice in architecture, exploring life, viability, and interdisciplinary collaboration and offering practical design insights for all beings. This book highlights several key architectural features, including a philosophical exploration of life, a focus on creating organic spaces, and the use of the viable system model (VSM) for organisational resilience. Additionally, it emphasises interdisciplinary design thinking and introduces a platform for viable and agile AI-assisted design. The book provides practical case studies highlighting how theory and practice can be integrated into architectural projects, giving architects actionable insights for innovative, adaptive, and purposeful design. By utilising organic design principles and interdisciplinary collaboration, readers will gain a transformative understanding of architecture. The book encourages the application of the viable system model to enhance organisational viability while promoting flexibility and viability in design. Furthermore, architects are encouraged to use logic-based and object-oriented ontology (OOO)-based AI-assisted design approaches due to their ability to evaluate design scenarios quickly. This book will be of interest to architects, designers, and enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive understanding of architecture, and professionals in architectural enterprises looking to enhance organisational viability will find value. Interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasised throughout the book. Students and academics in architecture and related fields will also benefit from its philosophical exploration and practical insights.

Alexander Tsigkas is a retired professor and a practitioner systems architect passionate about innovative and sustainable design. Tsigkas focuses on applying design thinking and integrating agile methodologies into architectural practices. He enhances organisational viability in the architectural domain with expertise in the viable system model. His work reflects a deep understanding of the philosophical dimensions of architecture, coupled with practical experience in creating live, vibrant, and adaptable places. In recent years, Tsigkas has researched logic-based and OOO-based AI for their use in architectural design, and is committed to research for design excellence. AI is just one mechanism in that direction.

List of figures List of tables Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Part I: De Vita in Architecture Chapter 1. Life in Architecture Chapter 2. Organic Artificiality in Design Chapter 3. Design for the Everyday Part II: Interdisciplinarity in Design Chapter 4. The Viable System Model Chapter 5. The Brain of the Architectural Firm Chapter 6. Design Logic with Patterns Chapter 7. Platform for Viable and Agile Design Part III: Between Theory and Practice Chapter 8. Case 1: Designing Viable Places Chapter 9. Case 2: Degrees of Life for Viable Places Chapter 10. Case 3: Logic-Based AI-Assisted Design Chapter 11. Case 4: The Agile Design Organisation Approach Chapter 12. Case 5: OOO-Based AI-Assisted Design Epilogue Abbreviations Index of Terms Index of Names