Response to On Typology by Rafael Moneo

From a general perspective, typology can be described as a quality measure when it comes to landscape architecture and is mostly used abstractly to illustrate the continuity of an area or surface. Rafael Moneo, in his article, On Typology, presents a different and a comprehensive approach to the concept of typology. He begins with the view that questioning typology in architecture puts into view the nature of the work associated with architecture. He further explains that such considerations make it important to formulate a theory that seeks to clarify or rather identify an object as a form of architecture. Moneo then presents plenty of description regarding a work of architecture which I perceive are significant considerations in understanding typology. An interesting perspective highlighted by Moneo is that an architectural work has to be viewed as a unique entity or rather having its own place. It is also viewed as a single phenomenon in which it lacks a replica. In other words, an architectural work exhibits singularity despite the existence of similar patterns with other pieces. I align with the view especially when it comes to the modern architectures whereby each piece exhibits its own uniqueness and can be easily distinguished from other works. For example, when one hears the Eiffel tower being mentioned, he or she will immediately have a mental image of the work as its uniqueness sells it. The same case applies to Museums whereby they tend to exhibit uniqueness in their architectural structures.

Moneo then describes a work of architecture to be a replica of certain objects in terms of instrumentation or any other general characteristic. He states, from this point of view, a work of architecture, a construction, a house-like a boat, a cup, a helmet- can be defined through formal features, which express problems running from production to use and which permits its reproduction, (Moneo). From an individual perspective, works of architecture that align with the second view include residential houses, apartments, schools, offices, and any other object that exhibits formal features. In synopsis, from the viewpoints, I have learned that there are two perspectives that one can use to identify a work of architecture. The first view is that a work of architecture can be viewed as a unique entity while the second view is that a work of architecture can be viewed as a replica. Moneo then presents a comprehensive description of formal architecture which I consider as simple and when it comes to understanding the associated concepts. He highlights aspects such as linearity, centrality, grids, and clusters as some of the features present in formal architecture. He also mentions the typological series which is described as the association among elements that form the whole. Moneo mentions the main argument on typology whereby it is viewed as a frozen mechanism that limits change and promotes constant repetition. However, he explains that that is not the case s typology presents an idea of transformation or rather the development of new patterns. Moneo also includes various images that depict typology in which he mentions the associated architectures. A good example is a topography associated with courtyard houses. From an individual perspective, the whole text is a good source when it comes to comprehending typology in regards o various works of literature. The scholar also uses simple and clear language which makes it easier to comprehend the associated content.

Work Cited

Moneo, Rafael. On Typology. A Journal for Ideas and Criticism in Architecture, MIT Press, 13, 1978. Print.