Toward interpretation of the term transformation in architecture

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this work is to study different interpretations of the term transformation in architecture and define the term transformable architecture.

Methodology: The thesaurus method and comparative analysis. Data comparison allows to define and structure the conceptual apparatus. Works of A.A. Gaiduchenya, N.A. Saprykina, R. Kronenberg, J.D. Lee, R. Reuter are studied and analyzed. These researchers define the transformable architecture and created their own systems of definition of changeable architecture.

Research findings: Analysis concerning the interpretation of the term transformation in architecture show four possible notions. It is concerned if architecture is the intangible system of knowledge or artificial object of material world, and transformation is considered as the process of changing via evolutional processes or the ability to change. Structure of notions helps to define original term of transformable architecture.

Practical implications: This work highlights the concept uncertainty of variable architecture and complex search for materials in the field.

Originality: The term transformation is ambiguous in architectural science. This word is used starting from the evolutional change in architecture and ending by specific techniques of controllable change of space embedded in its architecture at the design stage. The versatility of the term transformation and words with similar roots, creates many interpretations by different researchers.