Founding Myths

gta papers 3
Founding Myths

2019. 21 x 29.7 cm, softcover

144 pages, 81 illustrations
ISBN 978-3-85676-400-5
CHF 25.00 / EUR 25.00
English

Edited by Laurent Stalder, Tom Avermaete, Maarten Delbeke, Ita Heinze-Greenberg, Philip Ursprung
Contributions by Mario Carpo, Sylvia Claus, Matthew Critchley, Maarten Delbeke, Adrian Forty, Ita Heinze-Greenberg, Mari Hvattum, Andreas Kalpakci, Jacqueline Maurer, Stanislaus von Moos, Sarah Nichols, Daniela Ortiz dos Santos, Alina Payne, Sabine Sträuli, Philip Ursprung, Filine Wagner, Lukas Zurfluh
Designed by büro uebele

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Founding in the double sense of the word naturally plays an important role in architecture. But also the history and theory of architecture seem to particularly require the idea of a foundation, a beginning. On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, the Institute for the History and Theory of Architecture (gta) addressed the problem of beginnings – in its own history as well as in architecture in general – and in particular the role of founding myths. As the recurring recourse in architecture to the primitive hut or the three Vitruvian principles of firmness, utility and beauty (firmitas, utilitas, venustas) shows, myths occupy an important place in professional discourse. The contributions to the third issue of the gta papers question the tradition of these myths and examine their potential for the interpretation of the past and for the design of future projects.