Turan Oktay. Architecture as an Apparatus of Immortalization and Glorification: A Critical Analysis of Wittgensteinian [true] Architecture

Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture in Architecture.
Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences. Middle East Technical University, 2007. — 224 p.This study is an inquiry into architecture understood as an apparatus of immortalization and glorification by means of a dialectic formulation on the architecture of the synecdochic Interwar (angst) Period (1919-1939) based on the assumptions of Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951). It is claimed that a dialectical relation between Wittgenstein and his contemporaries may contribute to the understanding of the conceptions regarding ideal of [true] architecture itself. The thesis suggests that these assumptions may maintain a critical pattern for the understanding of the architectural milieu of the Interwar Period, which was a summit for modern architecture. The structure is based on a remark of Wittgenstein stating, "Architecture immortalizes and glorifies something" and its tripartite formulation is reflected upon the framework. In the second part, it is aimed to introduce the concepts in order to draw a framework of the milieu. This part also focuses on the remarks of Wittgenstein regarding [true] architecture. In the third part, the aspects of [true] architecture are discussed by means of a historical study. This part also focuses on the principle of architecture as an apparatus. In the fourth part, a dialectical relationship is maintained between Wittgenstein and his contemporaries to shed light on the [true] architecture of the Angst Period. The emphasis of this part is on the arguments regarding [true] architecture. Finally, the fifth part involves arguments on the aspects of immortalization and glorification focusing on its several aspects and ―something‖ immortalized and glorified by means of [true] architecture.Prolegomenon
[True] Architecture
[True] Architecture of the Angst Period
Immortalization and GlorificationAppendices