Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book attempts to render classification systems as unproductive aspects of human nature and design in general. It presents the fashionable philosophical and intellectual undercurrents of their time with how those ideas were linked with significant technological and computational advancements as together they influenced architectural design theory. The computer and the advanced computational logics that came with it have changed the architectural design paradigm forever. The transition of architectural design theory continues with the loose affiliation of new philosophical concepts in relation to essences. Departing from the modernist approach, the postmodern architect once again was challenged to redefine what advancing the human condition would mean for the discipline. Architectural design tends to be a trade-off optimization exercise that involves balancing the subjective and objective.