Architectural Autonomy

This thesis is an inquiry into the discourse of autonomy in architecture. As the research unfolds, the discourse of autonomy is quite broad and there are several interpretations of the subject. Overall, the paper attempts to address the essential aspects, positions on the degrees of autonomy, shifting objectives of autonomy, and the role of the theories of autonomous architecture today.

The object of architectural autonomy is the form, and the means of its mutation is through the concepts of type and diagram. Through these conceptions, it is investigated how the theories of autonomous architecture are applied in practice, influenced the emergence of non-autonomous architecture embracing social and programmatic aspects and how autonomy is still predominant in contemporary architecture.

Under these three main objectives, the research consists of a comprehensive review of the theoretical and practical works of the architects Aldo Rossi, Peter Eisenman and Rem Koolhaas and case studies on Gallaratese Housing Block, the House Series, the Schützenstraße Quarter, IBA Social housing and Axel Springer Campus.

Striving to integrate the complexity of the current issues in practice with the discussions revolving around autonomy, the findings of the research open up possibilities for architects to rebuild an inherent system within the discourse of architecture.

Keywords: Architecture, autonomy, non-autonomy, diagram, type