- 216 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
Media theory has long overlooked the built environment and its communicative capacity: how built structures and spaces convey meaning through material embodiment and symbolization.
Architecture as Communication advances the idea that built environments function as media of communication. Using practice theory in conjunction with the concept of style, this book is anchored in three historical determinants: the quest for perfect proportion in buildings, the belief in architectural determinism, and the ongoing efforts within other media to influence how those who experience built environments understand them. Ross Eaman explores how houses, schools, places of worship, factories, office buildings, stores, malls, opera houses, plazas, and parks have meaning for people as subjective life-worlds. Architecture as Communication proposes media theory that articulates the social construction of meaning as a unique way of understanding the built environment – one in which the users and observers of structures and spaces participate along with architects and designers. Architecture, according to Eaman, encompasses the multiplicity of communication as human interaction, preparing people for what they are about to encounter, signalling how they should act, and selectively enabling them to perform their expected role.
Using examples across many historical periods and cultures, Architecture as Communication argues that we judge our built environments by the values they communicate.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover Page
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- 1 Architecture as Cosmic Communication
- 2 The Evolution of Architectural Determinism
- 3 The Mediation of Architectural Meaning
- 4 Encoding Meaning in Buildings Ends and Means
- 5 Decoding Meaning in Buildings Means and Ends
- Conclusion
- Notes
- Index