ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discusses in the subsequent chapters of this book. This book is based on the idea that one have a richer understanding of a medium by shining a light on it through another. It addresses issues of construction, translation, and the transformation of meaning across media. As suggested by the roots of the word translation, to "transfer" or "carry across" there is an aspect of crossing boundaries, accentuating differences, and slippage in perception. The book focuses on Koolhaas' Kunsthal, Khlebnikov's zaum language and Zangezi as portrayed in Tatlin's set design to discuss the operation of montage not in terms of an image but in an analytical dimension that uncovers a multiplicity of meanings. It explores issues concerning the intelligibility of compositional structure and formal meaning in architecture. The book reviews the role of representation in the medium of architecture especially mapping as a language of representation and as a mode of translation.
