The Ontology of Meaning in Architectural Works

One of the issues in theory field of architecture which has been considered in recent decades is ontology and its branches. The changeability and the domain of the meaning in architectural works are some of the most important issues which are considered in this field. It is related to some subjects such as the role of the creativeness of the architectural work, audience of the architectural work and the process of the perception for receiving the work's meaning. According to some of the latest theories in this field such as Deconstruction and Neopragmatism. All of the perceptions of audiences are affected by their prejudices and their prejudices are influenced by some external subjects such as history, meanwhile these external subjects are changing constantly. So, it is not possible to believe in a certain domain for architectural works. Due to this viewpoint, all of the objects should be presented in adaptability with this changeable process and so in designing the architectural works, we should use geometries which can be adapted with changeability and relativity in perception. On the other hand, some of the other theories such as functional theory and the propositional theory believe in a certain domain for meaning in architectural works. For example, according to functional theory, the meaning of an architectural work is referred to its function and even if its function can be changeable during the time, but because it is not possible to define each function for a certain architectural work, the domain of its meaning is a definable domain. So, the major problem of this article is derived the relationship between architecture and ontology especially contemporary ontology. Due to this problem, there are some important questions in the theory field of architecture such as if we can assume a final meaning for an architectural work or not? Different steps for specifying and analyzing this problem consists of these ones: In the first stage we will define ontology and its features. In the second stage we will define the identity of meaning in architectural works. For accessing to this aim, we refer to some of the most important theorists in this field such as Foucault, Fish and Rorty. Meanwhile, we try to evaluate the theories which are cited in this stage. In the third stage, we will explain the Islamic view point about the major problem of this article. Then, according to Islamic teachings, the identity of meaning in architectural works will be specified. On the base of the findings of this stage as the last stage, it is concluded that the domain of meaning in architectural works is a certain and definable domain but the audience's perception about this meaning can be changeable which this variability is referred to their different prejudices and experiences. In this article for accessing to the targets that are assumed, the authors have utilized qualitative content analysis research in the first gathering step of data. Moreover the authors have used logical- argumentative research in analysis step and judgment of data.