Decoding Theoryspeak: An Illustrated Guide to Architectural Theory

Existentialism; Urbanism; Aporia; Deontic; Tabula Rasa; Hyperspace; Heterotopia; Metareality; Structuralism…

What does it all mean?

The unique language used in architectural theory – both in speech and writing – can appear daunting and confusing, particularly to new architectural students.

Decoding Theoryspeak provides an accessible guide to the specialized language of contemporary design for the next generation of thinkers, architects and design leaders. It includes:

• definitions of over 200 terms
• clear cross-references
• illustrations throughout.

It is an essential pocket-sized resource for students and practitioners alike.

Enn Ots is a practicing architect and teacher with 40 years of theoryspeak experience. Since 1979 he has been an associate professor at the Florida A&M University School of Architecture while maintaining an architectural practice. He conducts design/build workshops, as well as teaching theory and undergraduate design studio. Prior to 1979, he was an architectural researcher and designer in Winnipeg and Toronto, Canada.