Assessing perception of Di Fausto’s neo-traditional architecture based on personal construct methodology

Agiel, A., Lang, J., Caputi, P.

Keywords:
Architectural schools of thought, brand image, ideal image, inherent image, personal construct methodology.

Abstract:
Currently there is a major debate in architectural circles between two groups of scholars and professionals. One group completely rejects learning from and drawing on past architectures in creating new works while the other one builds a new architecture based on the past. Using personal construct methodology, this study examines the work of Di Fausto, as expressed in three Libyan designs of the 1930s. Results showed that a different architectural ‘brand image’ and an ‘ideal image’ exist in each culturally different region. Architectural design both as it is taught and in practice must change towards incorporating the ‘inherent image’ of the local inhabitants in the creative thinking process of new buildings if those buildings are to be meaningful for them.

Ahmed Agiel *, Jon Lang ** and Peter Caputi ***

* United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
** University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
*** University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia

Reference:
Agiel, A., Lang, J., Caputi, P. (2019). Assessing perceptions of Di Fausto’s neo-traditional architecture based on personal construct methodology. Personal Construct Theory & Practice, 16, 111-129.