March 2011, 1369. VOLUME CCXXIX

Architectural theory celebrates the importance of being earnest

Another paradigm shift is upon us with the publication of the first volume of Patrik Schumacher’s The Autopoiesis of Architecture, in which he proposes, at length, a new unified theory of architecture. In the 30 years or so since my generation was avidly devouring Charles Jencks’ The Language of Postmodern Architecture, architectural theory seems to have become more impenetrable, often merely for the sake of it, like much architecture, in fact.

But even if the prospect of reading almost 500 pages of Schumacher’s densely argued prose, relieved by a mere 18 illustrations seems a bit on the arid side, clearly his endeavours merit wider discussion. So we set Peter Buchanan on the case, and his pensive exegesis of the Autopoiesis inaugurates the AR’s newly revived Theory section. This aims to furnish readers with insightful and provocative critiques of the latest currents of architectural thought.

Over its long history, the AR has marked many call-to-arms moments in architectural thinking, from Colin Rowe’s essay on ‘The Mathematics of the Ideal Villa’ in 1947, to E.M. Farrelly’s 1986 issue dedicated to ‘The New Spirit’, which rammed a stake through the heart of postmodernism’s painted corpse. Both these and many other articles can be sampled in our expanding digital archive at www.architectural-review.com.

In adding to this distinguished continuum, we see it as a gentle riposte to the prevailing culture of transience and shallowness. Architecture is a serious profession, and there is still a need for cerebral engagement and theoretical food for thought.