Architectural theory arises from building, when the
mind considers its symbolic relations to its own constructions. The intent
of this essay is to discuss the intellectual causes that precede building
and precede theory. It considers certain fundamental dualities in our
thinking about architecture—such as image and word; type and model;
imitation and invention—and the role they play in its making, its
perfection as an art, and the eventual elaboration of its tenets into a
theory. At a time when theories of architecture proliferate as expressions
of ‘personal philosophies,’ a careful and incisive
philosophical approach to if, how, and when does theory become formative of
building, may ensure that architecture remain faithful to its intrinsic
purposes.