Modes of Center, Analysis of a Semantic Hierarchy of Center

One of the concepts which have been mostly discussed in architecture studies is the concept of “center”. In the field of art and architecture، theorist like Christian Norberg-Shults، Rudolf Arnhiem and Christopher Alexander، have based their theories on this concept. By referring to their studies، it will be clarified that each one of them have different point of view to this aspect. Therefore، by gathering and putting their theories together، not only this concept won’t be more explicit but also increases its ambiguity. In this article، by contemplating on different opinions about “center” and also finding their proper position، we try to disambiguate of this concept. To achieve this goal first of all various aspect of “center” will be unfolded throughout the studies of the theorists. Afterward by contemplating on their opinions، it will be cleared that although they all utilized the same word، but it seems that they consider different type of this meaning. Therefore the hierarchy of “center” will be extracted، nominated and illustrated. By thematic analysis، five clusters will be nominated for this concept، which are: intrinsic، essential، semantic، functional، template (artificial and natural) center. “Center” like any other concepts in cosmos have “hierarchy meaning” from physical appearance to inner conscience، which affects all aspect of architecture. The variety of the theories in explaining the concept of center is caused because of this hierarchy meaning. Therefore we can discuss about the “modes of center”.