N. John Habraken (john@habraken.org)

Introduction to the list of Theoretical writings

The theoretical component of my writings deals mainly with a theory of the built environment as such. In fact, can also be seen as an attempt to make the built environment visible and, as such, distinct from architecture.

My views on housing, as first formulated in "Supports, an alternative for mass housing" implicitly regarded the built environment as a living entity where form and inhabitation were inseparable although distinguishable.

The Methodology subsequently developed by SAR can be seen, in retrospect, as the operationalization of that implied theory of the built environment. Awareness of this implication led to a sustained effort to make the underlying theory come to the surface.

The writings in this list reflect that effort over several decades, finally culminating in "The Structure of the Ordinary".

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