Friedrich Christoph Wagner spent the years between 1965 and 2002 with
few interruptions lecturing students of architecture on the basics of
design. This book represents the summation of his teachings. He presents
an insight into his working methods, a definiton of the position of the
basics of design, a practical didactic system for creativity, perception
and aesthetics as well as a large number of examples of his students
work. A first insight into creative training, both for individuals and
for groups, is followed by a number of freely and playfully addressed
themes. The author subsequently presents us a broad selection of
sculptural themes by means of study pieces based upon "body space" and
"the logic of the form." This is followed by chapters that deal with the
phenomenon of space, with basic topological and geometrical patterns,
with the realm of primal images and primal acts in architecture, with
space and time incorporating symmetry and movement in space and with
studies of light in relation to space. This is followed by a discussion
of surface and of surface structures, again with a number of examples.
Finally, a number of projects serve to demonstrate the properties of the
line, with the concomitant topics of sequences and proportions. The next
chapter deals with "elements of architecture" featuring students
projects and findings, with an emphasis on proxemics, locations,
situations, the ways in which people behave and the corresponding forms
in architecture; worlds of sound also play a role here. In connection
with this, a number of excursions were undertaken to the island of
Sifnos in the Cyclades, where students assisted in making measurements
and conducting research at the Kato Petali site. Finally, a number of
summer academies were held on the theme of "architecture as a
relationship space." The book contains a DVD with sound samples and
films concerned with "space and light."
