Experiments: Architecture between Sciences and the Arts

What influence do scientific methods have on architecture and art? Does genuine artistic or architectural experimentation exist, and how does it differ by comparison to the natural sciences? For many reasons, in the architectural world debate on questions of scientific methodology and research is increasing. Often, the significance of the experiment is reduced to structural-technical aspects or discussed in the context of digital design and fabrication. Only utopian architectural projects from the 1960s or formal extravagances are recognised as “experimental architecture.” Beginning with the concept of the “experiment,” these essays on art and architectural theory adopt different perspectives from which to examine a relatively new type of experience—the experimental experience as technical activity, theoretical reflection, or calculation. Examples of current architectural practice and art production, as well as case studies supplement the essays in this volume.