The proto-theory of design: The method of analysis of the ancient geometers

Lauri Koskela, M. Kagioglou

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

It is contended that the ancient method of analysis and synthesis, developed originally by Greek geometers, provides a proto-theory of design, which unfortunately has largely been forgotten in the modern period. For justifying this claim, six central features of the method of analysis and synthesis are discussed and compared to recent developments in design theory and methodology. It is shown that various issues covered by the method analysis and synthesis have recently been rediscovered in the design science, but without any connection to it. It is argued that further development and unification of the design science requires that we return to the proto-theory of design and start to validate, criticize and expand it.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)45-52
Number of pages8
JournalStrojarstvo
Volume49
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2007
Externally publishedYes
Event18th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction - Haifa, Israel
Duration: 14 Jul 201016 Jul 2010
Conference number: 18

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