Notes on a theory of criticism of architectural structures

The intention of this paper is to contribute to an understanding of structures in an architectural context by identifying the relevant cognitive aspects that apply to such structures, and thus be able to make precise explananations, interpretations and evaluations of load-bearing structures as they form parts of works of architecture. A basic viewpoint is that the purpose of an architectural structure may also be other than that associated strictly with its load-bearing capacities, so that a characterization by this function alone is not sufficient. A central theme in architecture is the making of spaces, and the choices made of structural form to bring this about may be instrumental, not only with reference to the actual physical realisation of those spaces which imply that the structure will have to carry loads, but also to the practical function or the use of the spaces as well as to how the architectural spaces are visually experienced. The hypothesis presented is therefore that the form of architectural structures may be considered as resting partly on their mechanical function and partly on thei