Extending Derrida's Theory of Deconstruction: A Philosophical Critique of the Deconstruction Style in Contemporary Architecture

Jacques Derrida was one of the few philosophers who seriously became involved with architecture. Despite his innermost desire, Derrida seems to have never made a proper connection with architecture. As soon as Derrida's theory of deconstruction was developed in architecture, it was thought that a practical way to translate and represent an idea was found. Concerning the output of the deconstruction style, the feedback of that opinion in the design of architectural spaces demonstrates that it was a complete failure. It showed the reflection of Derrida's idea on architecture was based on a poor understanding. The aim of this study is how accurate and complete the style of deconstruction in architecture represented Derrida's opinion on deconstruction? Derrida entered the deconstruction style project in architecture to show that arts are the best objectives to represent the manifestation of deconstruction. Although other studies accepted the formation of the deconstruction style in architecture as the fact of Derrida’s deconstruction, Parc de la Villette’s project really contradicts his hypothesis. Not from an architectural point of view, but from a philosophical point of view instead, this study emphasizes the philosophical basis of Derrida's views on deconstruction according to his thought on texts. Accordingly, as a strong and steady connection, Derrida's deconstruction is a kind of exposure to our relationship with the world, while the architecture's deconstruction style breaks the connection and even disrupts our relationships with this surrounding world.