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precisely the contribution that Schmarsow made at a historical moment from that
which we can, partially through hindsight, understand through his thought. We
may be projecting and learning something that is rationally present in his thought
but which he had not cognized — or might even have rejected. The rational
reconstruction of such research programs, while pushing beyond a history of the
events, is even more important as architectural research and has a greater
potential for the discipline of architecture.
I will end by summarizing very briefly, really as a list, the thoughts I have
presented on architectural research. There are a number of kinds of architectural
research that all have their place and deserve to enter into critical discourse:
•Research conducted through architectural and building practice
•Research on building and environmental issues conducted by
neighboring disciplines, including those in engineering and science
•Research in architectural institutions that may be more abstract than in
practice but is directed to issues currently confronting the profession
•A broad realm of research within the discipline of architecture that may, or
may not yet — or may never — impact practice.
•Research in the intersection of profession and discipline: I have used Le
Corbusier's Five Points to illustrate the perhaps rare but important research that
emerges from, and engages, both profession and discipline – and has a lasting
effect upon the discipline.