The Architect in the Machine

摘要

The role of the architect has always been somewhat problematic in one respect: While the designer is considered the author of the building, there is often a gap between the design concept and what winds up rendered for posterity in bricks and mortar. The goals of the profession can be abstract, whereas the end and sole purpose of its efforts have always been grounded in the physical-what can be built, and for how much money. The result is that, in spite of high aspirations, the idea of the building sometimes surpasses the end product, much like Plato's ideal chair.