A Theoretical Exposé and Rhetorical Questions of Science and Art in Architecture
R. A. Oppong

Abstract
The derivative nature of architecture from several disciplines seemingly undermines its legitimate epistemological standpoint. Some schools of thought question the universality and the ‘science’ of architecture. To some; it appears architecture has not progressed for the benefit of Man. Others perceive Architecture to be disjointed and patriarchal thus far. Through historiography this paper attempts to anecdotally present worldviews on science and art in architecture; but mainly dominated by two architects conveniently selected to represent the two “worlds”- Europe and the Americas that strove to place architecture on the level of ‘science’. This paper observed that, the derivative and normative orientation of architecture, makes it perceptibly confused and ‘unscientific’. It is suggested in conclusion that if architecture seeks to solve human problems to merit the term ‘science’ then the theory and laws of nature (ragioni) as rules of operation (regole) are worth considering.

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