Semantics and Symbolisms

Semantics and Symbolisms

Semantics the study of meanings

Meaning is not the first mental entity to come into consciousness,

but that it is also the entity which commonly inspires creative work. A memory image of an earlier perceived form changes in the direction of the nearest form. During this change of image, the subject also experiences a trend to add a meaning to what was originally a perception of a non-sensical form.

SIGNALS AND SIGNS

Indexial Sign or Index

Something which had an existential relation between the signifier and the signified, the indicator to that which is indicated. These are literal signs which the perceiver see as a matter of fact. Indexial signs are learned over time. e.g. arrows indicate circulation/direction, stoplight

SIGNALS AND SIGNS

Iconic Sign

An icon is a sign which refers to the object that it denotes by virtue of certain characters of its own and which it possesses just the same, whether any such objects actually exist or not. Functional architecture

SIGNALS AND SIGNS

Symbolic Sign

A symbol is a sign which refers to the object that it denotes by virtue of law, usually any association of general ideas, which operates to cause that symbol to be interpreted as referring to that object.

Semantics and Symbolisms

SYMBOLS A symbol is a

phenomenon which has a meaning additional to that which is communicated by its superficial configuration or stimulus profile.

Semantics and Symbolisms

Biogenic Symbol System

This uses a basic biological determinant shaped jointly by security needs and the visual capacity of the brain.

Italian Piazza

Semantics and Symbolisms

Learned Symbols

Stock images that have come to be associated with certain buildings

Semantics and Symbolisms

Representation, Copy, Replica, Picture

Representation a substitute for the real object, which cannot be inserted in a book Replica a copy made in the same size and of the same material as the original

Semantics and Symbolisms

Representation, Copy, Replica, Picture

Copy model which shows the exact attributes of the original Facsimile/Picture an exact reproduction

Semantics and Symbolisms

EXPRESSION
Building Design as an Iconic System Transformations

Pragmatic Design available materials are used, put together initially by trial and error until a building form was achieved which actually worked Pragmatic design is still used in design with new materials, plastic skin inflatable, suspension structures, etc.

Semantics and Symbolisms

EXPRESSION
Building Design as an Iconic System Transformations

Typologic Design in which the members of a particular culture share a fixed mental image of what the design of the building form should be, like using the materials which happen to be available, at a particular place with a particular climate, to house an established life style.

Semantics and Symbolisms

EXPRESSION

Building Design as an Iconic System Transformations

Analogic Design- the drawing of analogies (usually visual) into the solution of ones design problems with existing buildings, with forms from nature, from painting and so on. Structural analogies with the feeling of tension and compression in the designers own body; philosophical analogies with principles from physics and biology.

Semantics and Symbolisms

EXPRESSION

Building Design as an Iconic System Transformations

Canonic (Geometric) Design form generated by some two and three dimensional geometric systems, originated by the Egyptians.