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Architecture and Linguistics
Classical architecture can be described within the context of a linguistic model. Architecture and grammar are commonly described in terms of each other, and a deeper investigation reveals the strong conceptual relations between the two fields. As linguistic grammar comes from rules of the combination of words in sentences, a type of architectural grammar comes from the rules that relate to the combination of rooms within buildings. Further, linguistic semantics have an architectural correlate.
There seems to be a strong and ubiquitous relationship between architectural and linguistics. As such, the concepts of architecture and grammar are often intertwined within both the fields of linguistics and architecture. Elizabeth Cole's book "The Grammar of Architecture" typifies this natural and almost instinctive relationship, as it describes its comprehensive look at the history of architecture in linguistic terms. Similarly, Ronald Kaplain describes his look at English grammar in terms of architecture in his paper "The Formal Architecture of Lexical-Functional Grammar.
Given the extensive use of grammatical terms in architecture, and the use of architectural terms to describe linguistics, it is perhaps pertinent to examine the role of linguistics in architecture...
In essence, architecture can be described within the context of a linguistic model.
Language is comprised of words, which have a specific form and structure. The way that words are arranged and combined within sentences creates the specific grammar of a language.
Classical architecture can be described within the context of this linguistic model. Buildings in the classical style have components that correspond conceptually to the ideas of specific words, in addition components that correspond the ideas of grammar. The classical style is commonly seen as architecture that has its roots in the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome (Wikipedia).
In architecture, specific rooms can be said to correspond to the idea of specific words. As words are combined to form sentences, rooms are combined to form buildings. As linguistic grammar comes from rules of the combination of words in sentences, a type of architectural grammar comes from the rules that relate to the combination of rooms within buildings.
A specific example may help illustrate this concept. Specific rooms can include living rooms, dining rooms, porches, foyers, lobbies, bedrooms, kitchens, dens, and hallways. These rooms are combined to form buildings within the classical style.…
Works Cited
Cole, Emily. 2002. The Grammar of Architecture. Bulfinch.
Kaplain, Ronald M. 1989. The Formal Architecture of Lexical-Functional Grammar. 04 December 2003. Abstract available online at http://citeseer.nj.nec.com/kaplan89formal.html
Wikipedia. Classical architecture. 04 December 2003. http://en2.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_architecture
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