Moral conflict as the basic fact of morality in architectural practice. An opinion against the formulation of a code of ethical principles in architecture

Ewa Kuryล‚owicz

Abstract

Architecture is at present โ€œthe only liberal profession whose welfare โ€“ possibly its very survival โ€“ depends on its ability to enunciate and rally around a set of moral principles. The fact that these principles shift and evolve only makes the topic more intriguing and worthy of studyโ€ [4]. At present only? The first to write of the notion of truth from a moralising and uncompromising perspective in the architectural context was the British architect A. W. Pugin in the 19th century. His idea, of architecture as a socio-ethical crusade, grew into rhetoric in the 20th-century period of the modernist avant-garde. It was then too that it became clear just how much caution is needed in applying the notions of truth and falsehood, for they may be abused, and more: shown to be empty without the attitude of one who bandies them about. Apparent at first glance is the extent to which the area is sensitive and susceptible to duplicity and hypocrisy; with the significance for our work, all the more caution is required in attempts to perceive it.

Full article view is only available on bigger screens.