Rethinking Types: A Pedagogical Proposal For Design Studios That Focus On Typology

Typology -as an analytical concept to inform our understanding of design- has been a recurring discussion topic in architectural circles. While there are several canonical sources to conceptualize the idea of type, how designers frame the term and instrumentalize it varies significantly. The paper initially presents a quick account of the trajectory of typological approaches, particularly in architecture, and provides a range of formulations offered by both theoreticians and practitioners. Then, a range of cases –involving both historic and contemporary practices- will be elaborated to demonstrate how the notion of type is manifested in the work of key designers. Building up on the diverse formulations of type in existing literature, the paper offers an instrumental conceptualization of type in the context of design studio pedagogy. Finally, the paper will present a concise assessment on the role of types in design processes.