Four Gates to Castle Neos: A Native Framework for Architectural Inquiry

Abstract

Various dimensions of architectural investigation are inherently hindered by the lack of a native framework. Consequently, what counts as disciplinary advancement in architecture has seldom risen to the towers of novel truth-value or the ramparts of reliability as in other disciplines. Architectural knowledge as a whole seems to be mired in a treacherous moat of crocodiles where sharp teeth are often what matters most. This paper proposes a new framework wherein four separate gates of investigation lead to the citadelof new wisdom, Castle Neos. Those gates are named Research, Design, Forensics, and Education. Each mode of investigation constitutes a worthy activity that opens a gate to significant architectural contributions. Each mode is also articulated by its own methods, strategies, settings, and tactics; as well as its own measures of truth value, novelty, and generalizability. The inclusive term "inquiry” is used here to both distinguish and integrate the equal bases of the four investigations. Formulation of that proposed framework for architecture constitutes a descriptive and normative theory because it explains the unique nature of architectural inquiry and offers a coherent means for incorporating it into current disciplinary knowledge. One pair of castle gates opens to the north and to the south: Design and Research. The short but broad connecting street between them crosses at Analysis Lane and Synthesis Court, but along the way, Philosophers Row and Method Way vary as to your right and left according to your gate of arrival. Another primary road connects the West Forensic Gateway to the East Education Portal. Spread across the four quadrants of the castle, the intersecting alleys and by-ways abound with a variety of productive investigations.