The proto-theory of design : the method of analysis of the ancient geometers

Koskela, LJ; Kagioglou, M

Abstract

It is contended that the ancient method of analysis and synthesis, developed originally by Greek geometers, provides a proto-theory of design, which unfortunately
has largely been forgotten in the modern period. For justifying this claim, six central features of the method of analysis and synthesis are discussed and compared to recent developments in design theory and methodology.
It is shown that various issues covered by the method analysis and synthesis have recently been rediscovered in the design science, but without any connection to it. It is argued that further development and unification of the design science requires that we return to the proto-theory of design and start to validate, criticize and expand it.

Citation

Koskela, L., & Kagioglou, M. (2007). The proto-theory of design : the method of analysis of the ancient geometers. Strojarstvo, 49(1), 45-52

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2007
• Deposit Date: Jun 11, 2010
• Journal: Strojarstvo: Journal for Theory and Application in Mechanical Engineering
• Print ISSN: 0562-1887
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 49
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 45-52
• Keywords: design theory, method, analysis, synthesis, geometry
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