This is Lecture 1: “The Structure of Architectural Theories”, by Nikos A. Salingaros, Professor of Mathematics and Architecture at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Included: The structure of a scientific theory. Requirements for a mode of thought to be a theory for architecture. Discourses and modes of thought that are not theories.

Unified Architectural Theory, Lecture 1: The Structure of Architectural Theories

Readings for Lecture 1: Alexander, The Phenomenon of Life, Prologue & Chapter 1. 

  1. Salingaros, Nikos A.. "ch. 2 (05), A+B. Architectural Theory, Parts 1, 2." In Unified Architectural Theory: Form, Language, Complexity—a Companion to Christopher Alexander's "The Phenomenon of Life : the Nature of Order, Book 1", 26-33. Portland, Oregon and Kathmandu, Nepal: Sustasis Foundation and Vajra Books, 2013.

  2. Salingaros, Nikos A.. "ch. 1 (04). The Structure of Architectural Theories." In Unified Architectural Theory: Form, Language, Complexity—a Companion to Christopher Alexander's "The Phenomenon of Life : the Nature of Order, Book 1", 21-25. Portland, Oregon and Kathmandu, Nepal: Sustasis Foundation and Vajra Books, 2013.

  3. Wilson, Edward O.. "Integrated Science and The Coming Century of The Environment." Science 27 279, no. 5359 (1998): 2048-2049.

Texts discussed:

  • Christopher Alexander (2001) The Nature of Order, Book 1: The Phenomenon of Life, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, California. Buy in the USA from: oxbowbooks.com and internationally from: eurospanbookstore.com or from any online bookstore.                     
  • Nikos Salingaros (2013) Unified Architectural Theory: Form, Language, Complexity, Sustasis Press, Portland, Oregon. Buy the paper book from the publisher in the USA levellerspress.com, European edition mijnbestseller.nl, and Asian Edition vajrabookshop.com.1