ABSTRACT
The concept of architectural autonomy is rooted in discussions about the relationship between the discipline of architecture and external factors such as society, economics, and politics. Chapter 12 explores theories of architectural autonomy, which seek to define the discipline’s independent existence and its freedom from subordination to external influences. While Peter Eisenman, drawing from theories of artistic autonomy, argues that autonomous architecture inherently critiques society, the historical avant-garde presents a contrasting perspective by offering a thorough critique of architectural autonomy from the perspective of the city. The city, seen as a reflection of political decisions, economic development, and societal organization, challenges the notion of architectural autonomy. To examine these divergent viewpoints and contradictory understandings, the chapter examines the historical development of theories of architectural autonomy, drawing connections to theories of artistic autonomy. Additionally, it distinguishes between theories that claim extensive freedom for the discipline and the actual, more limited structural autonomy of the arts.
