The Significance of Architecture As The Making of Metaphors © (original) (raw)

What beyond the probability that it may be possible that urges us to believe the truth that architecture is not only the making of metaphors; not only an art because it too makes metaphors; but, that it is a metaphor. Architecture is a metaphor. Why is this true? Not metaphorically, inference, nor deduction but a self evident reality. The following discussion about identity, cues, mnemonics, vernacularism, archetypes, symbols, ii, reification and alienation define the metaphors in architectural terms. Architecture explains the metaphor and metaphor architecture. They are synonyms on the plain of organized ideas. They each enhance each other and at best explain art. As art, the metaphor identifies the archetype and as long as we think we exude metaphors. These metaphors are an applied art that become what we were, where conceived and who we'd hope we'd be when "read". Settlement patterns may be more important than the dwelling (Bedouin, Navaho, Jews): (1.1)"Scruffy" landscape identifies the higher‑status group (Westchester England). The (1.1)House as a symbol of self : is where individual identity is paramount so that the psychological concept of self‑identity and self‑esteem are linked (Western). The (1.1)Iroquois longhouse is the symbol of the league not the individual. The Iroquois were the "people of the longhouse" where the dwelling was metaphoric for the group but not the individual. Even today when they live in separated houses they refer their identity back to the longhouse. (1.1) A. Rapoport, "Identity and Environment: A cross‑Cultural Perspective" J.S. Duncan, "Housing and Identity" (1.1)Australian Aborigines communicate their difference and therefore establish boundaries through language, dress, hairstyles, etc. but not necessarily territory. Distinctiveness (identity) must be communicated.