Eidetic Dictionary – How to write in architectural language

Unlocking the Secrets of Symbols: A Practical Guide to the Eidetic Dictionary in Architecture

1. Introduction to the Eidetic Dictionary and architecture:

The Eidetic Dictionary is a unique tool used in the field of architecture to understand, analyze and recreate the underlying concepts of different designs. The Eidetic Dictionary is based on the idea that geometric shapes and forms can be used to allegorically represent abstract concepts and ideas. This means that the Eidetic Dictionary uses a system of geometric symbols and relationships to encode the meaning of different concepts, allowing architects to understand and interpret the underlying ideas behind their designs.

The Eidetic Dictionary is built around the concept of oppositions, which are pairs of geometric shapes or forms that are in some way opposite or complementary. For example, one opposition might be a circle and a square, which are opposite in the sense that they have different shapes and proportions. Another opposition might be a straight line and a curvy line, which are opposite in the sense that they have different orientations and forms. By understanding the relationships between different oppositions, architects can gain a deeper understanding of the concepts that underlie their designs.

The Eidetic Dictionary is an important tool for architects because it helps them to think more deeply about the concepts that shape their designs and to create more meaningful and effective architectural solutions. By using the Eidetic Dictionary to encode the underlying concepts of their designs, architects can create more coherent and harmonious architectural projects that are better able to meet the needs of the clients. Additionally, the Eidetic Dictionary can help architects to better understand the designs of other architects and to analyze the underlying concepts of different architectural styles and periods.

One interesting aspect of the Eidetic Dictionary is its similarity to Plato’s theory of Forms. In his philosophy, Plato argued that there exists a realm of eternal and perfect Forms, which are the true essence of all things. He believed that these Forms were the ultimate reality and that the material world was simply a shadow or imitation of the world of Forms. The Eidetic Dictionary can be seen as a way of understanding the underlying Forms or concepts that shape our built environment, and of using these Forms to design and interpret architecture. In this sense, the Eidetic Dictionary can be seen as a modern-day version of Plato’s theory of Forms, applied to the field of design.

Overall, the Eidetic Dictionary is a powerful tool that can help architects to design more meaningful and effective architectural projects, and to better understand the underlying concepts and ideas that shape the built environment. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field of design and can help to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the normative aesthetical standard that surrounds us.

2. Understanding the concept of oppositions in the Eidetic Dictionary:

The Eidetic Dictionary is a unique system of design and interpretation in architecture that utilizes the mechanism of reducing complex ideas and concepts to simpler geometric shapes and forms. This approach allows for the creation of a visual language that can represent complex ideas and concepts through the use of geometric shapes and forms.

Oppositions are a central aspect of the Eidetic Dictionary, as they help to define and understand the geometric shapes and forms used to represent complex ideas. Oppositions refer to the relationships between different concepts, and they create meaning and context within the dictionary. In this system, oppositions can be represented by a variety of geometric shapes, such as the square and the circle, which act as common unifiers and exponents of the chosen pair.

One common example of opposition in the Eidetic Dictionary is the opposition between masculinity and femininity, which can be represented by the geometric shapes of a square and a circle, respectively. The square is often associated with masculinity due to its straight lines and angles, while the circle is often associated with femininity due to its soft, curved lines. This opposition has a long history in Western culture and can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who used these shapes to represent male and female deities. The philosopher Plato also believed that the geometric shapes of a square and a circle represented opposing concepts, with the circle representing the perfect, eternal, and unchanging, and the square representing the imperfect, temporal, and changing.

Another common opposition in the Eidetic Dictionary is the opposition between logic and emotion, which can also be represented by the geometric shapes of a square and a circle. The square is often associated with logic and reason due to its structured and orderly appearance, while the circle is often associated with emotion and feeling due to its fluid and organic nature. This “opposition idea” has roots in classical philosophy and can be found in the works of many philosophers and artists.

Other oppositions that can be represented in the Eidetic Dictionary include major and minor, hard and soft, plan and goal, movement and stillness, element and whole, and fluidity and rigidity. All of these oppositions can be represented visually through the use of geometric shapes, and they can be used to represent a wide range of complex ideas and concepts in the design and interpretation process in architecture. By understanding the concept of oppositions in the Eidetic Dictionary, architects and designers can create a visual language that can effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts through the use of geometric shapes and forms.

3. Deriving concepts and creating sentences in the Eidetic Dictionary

One of the key aspects of the Eidetic Dictionary is the ability to intuitively derive concepts from geometric shapes and forms. This process involves analyzing the shapes and forms in relation to the oppositions they represent, such as masculinity and femininity, logic and emotion, or movement and stillness. By understanding the oppositions represented by the shapes and forms, architects and designers can gain insight into the underlying concepts and ideas that the design is trying to communicate.

For example, a small circle inscribed within a larger square might represent the feminine principle within the masculine principle. Similarly, a small square inscribed within a larger circle might represent the masculine principle within the feminine principle. Alternatively, if a straight line (representation of logic in opposition to a curved “fluid” line that is a representation of emotion) is pushing a circle, or a square is pushing a circle, this could be a suggestion of the logic influencing the emotion. On the other hand, fluid lines that push a straight line, or small circles that push a large square, could represent the influence of emotion on logic.

In addition to understanding the oppositions represented by geometric shapes and forms, architects and designers can also use the grammar of the Eidetic Dictionary to create sentences that represent complex ideas and concepts. The grammar of the Eidetic Dictionary is based on the idea that the relationships between shapes and forms can be used to create more complex sentences that represent more complex ideas and concepts.

To create sentences using the Eidetic Dictionary, architects and designers can start by selecting a pair of geometric shapes or forms that represent an opposition, such as a square and a circle. They can then analyze the relationship between the shapes and forms and determine how they can be combined to create a sentence that represents a complex idea or concept. For example, a sentence that combines a square and a circle might represent the opposition (the conflict) between logic and emotion. However, if the sentence encapsulates the relation between the oppositions, it can be a representation of the “whole”. Thesis – Relation – Antithesis.

In Hindu philosophy, the concept of duality is central to the understanding of the world and the self. The yin and yang symbol in Taoism represents the interconnectedness of opposing forces and the belief that one cannot exist without the other. Similarly, the Eidetic Dictionary uses oppositions to represent the interconnectedness of different concepts and ideas and the belief that one cannot be fully understood without considering its relationship to its opposite.

4. Advanced techniques in the Eidetic Dictionary and architecture

The Eidetic Dictionary is a powerful tool for understanding the underlying concepts and ideas behind architectural designs. However, it is also a complex and nuanced system, and there are advanced techniques that can be used to further unlock its potential.

One advanced technique in the Eidetic Dictionary is the use of allegory to create more complex and nuanced representations of ideas and concepts. Allegory is a literary device that uses symbols to represent abstract concepts or ideas, and it can be used in the Eidetic Dictionary to create more nuanced and multi-layered meanings.

For example, an architect could use the geometric shape of a spiral to represent the concept of transformation or change. Individuation and rhythmical circular repetitions of events are also portrayed by the same symbol. By using the spiral as a symbol in the Eidetic Dictionary, the architect could create a more complex allegory that represents the transformative nature of the design.

Another advanced technique in the Eidetic Dictionary is the use of rhythm and repetition to create a sense of overall theme. Rhythm and repetition can be achieved through the use of geometric shapes and forms that are repeated in a regular pattern, creating a sense of order and unity within the design. These echo visuals enhance the initial value that goes throughout the design.

For example, an architect could use the geometric shape of a tree to represent the concept of growth and sustainability, due to its ability to regenerate and adapt to its environment. By repeating the tree shape throughout the design, the architect could create a sense of unity and coherence within the overall design – the Forest effect – a new aesthetical ornament.

Overall, the use of advanced techniques in the Eidetic Dictionary can help architects and designers to create more complex and nuanced representations of ideas and concepts within their designs. By using allegory and rhythm and repetition, architects and designers can create designs that are rich in meaning and symbolism, communicating complex ideas and concepts in a visually striking and engaging way. Just be creative with your natural language, and the sky is the limit.

5. Case Studies

The concept of oppositions and their representation through geometric shapes and forms is not unique to the Eidetic Dictionary. Many philosophers and linguists have explored the idea that oppositions are a fundamental part of human thought and language. For example, the linguist Roman Jakobson argued that oppositions play a central role in the structure of language and communication and that they are the building blocks of meaning. The philosopher Jacques Derrida also explored the concept of oppositions in his work on deconstruction. He argued that all forms are incomplete and open to various interpretations. According to Derrida, architectural forms can also be treated as “differentials,” meaning they have the potential to differentiate themselves from other forms and change over time.

In addition to these philosophical and linguistic references, there are also numerous examples from art and literature that demonstrate the use of oppositions and geometric shapes to convey meaning. The poet Wallace Stevens, for example, often used geometric shapes and forms in his poetry to explore the relationship between the natural world and the human mind. Similarly, the artist Piet Mondrian used geometric shapes and forms in his abstract paintings to explore the relationship between form and meaning.

Overall, the use of oppositions and geometric shapes and forms to represent complex ideas and concepts is a longstanding tradition in many fields, and the Eidetic Dictionary is just one example of this trend. The ability to translate from one language to another, such as from a semantic language to a visual language, is crucial for creative expression. By understanding the concept of oppositions and the ways in which they can be represented through geometric shapes and forms, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and the way we think and communicate.

6. Resources for Further Study

“The Red Book” is a book written by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, between 1914 and 1930. It is a record of Jung’s psychological and spiritual development and contains his ideas on the nature of the psyche. It was not published until 2009, many years after Jung’s death. It is considered a central work in Jungian psychology and is often studied by scholars and practitioners of Jungian analysis.

“Modern Art 1770-1970-2000” is a renowned book written by two leading Italian art historians, Giulio Carlo Argan and Aquile Bonito Oliva. It covers modern art’s chronological and artistic development and comprises two autonomous studies with different methodologies and ideological approaches.

“History of Beauty” is a book written by Umberto Eco. The book is a reflection on the cultural history of the concept of beauty, its evolution and its significance, as well as its historical and cultural meanings. The author analyzes the different forms of beauty that have been valued and developed through different historical periods, cultures, and artistic movements.

“A Theory of Semiotics” is a seminal work written by Umberto Eco, a prominent semiotician, philosopher and literary critic. It is considered a classic in the field of semiotics, providing a comprehensive and systematic approach to the study of signs and symbols and their role in communication. The book is an important resource for those interested in understanding the theory and practice of semiotics.

“Syntactic Structures” is a book written by Noam Chomsky, an American linguist, philosopher, historian, social critic, and political activist. The book lays the foundation for the study of transformational-generative grammar, which Chomsky developed in the 1950s and 1960s.

“Gradoslovar” is a book written by Bogdan Bogdanović, a Serbian architect, town planner and theoretician. The book is written in a Dictionary style, with each entry providing a definition, explanation, and vocabulary illustrations of architectural symbols and motifs. Overall, it is a very informative and insightful book for those who are interested in the symbolic meaning of architecture.

“The Republic” is a work by the Greek philosopher Plato, it’s one of his most famous and widely read books. It is a political dialogue in which Plato presents a vision of an ideal society ruled by philosopher-kings. The book is divided into 10 books, and in it, Plato considers the nature of justice and the ideal structure of the state.

“Timaeus” is another famous book written by Plato, it is a dialogue between Socrates, Timaeus of Locri, and Critias. In this book, Timaeus presents a cosmogony or account of the origins of the universe. The book also covers the nature of time and space, the nature of matter, the nature of the soul and the relationship between the soul and the body.

Overall, there are numerous resources available for those interested in the use of geometry in architecture. Whether you are an architect, designer, or simply someone who is interested in the intersection of architecture, psychology, and literature, these resources can provide valuable insights into the ways in which geometry can be used to create symbolic and complex allegories in architecture.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Eidetic Dictionary is a tool for architects and designers to communicate complex ideas and concepts through the use of geometric shapes and forms. By analyzing the shapes and forms in relation to the oppositions they represent and understanding the grammar of the dictionary, architects and designers can create highly nuanced and sophisticated designs that are rich in meaning and symbolism.

In addition to the basic techniques of the Eidetic Dictionary, there are also advanced techniques that allow for the creation of even more complex and sophisticated designs. These advanced techniques include the use of archetypes, geometrical semiotics, and the concept of “differentials” to imbue buildings with character and personality.

The use of the Eidetic Dictionary and a deeper understanding of the psychological and symbolic dimensions of architecture can greatly enhance the design process and create truly impactful and memorable buildings. As such, it is important for architects and designers to continue to study and explore these concepts in order to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of architecture. Overall, the study of the Eidetic Dictionary and its applications in architecture offers a rewarding field of inquiry that has the potential to greatly enrich our built environment and the human experience.