Abstract:
In the discourse of architectural history, origin and type are the two s~gnificant components of
architectural genesis in any givcp. society. 'In search of this genesis, most local attempts consider
the rural Dochala type hut as the point of instigation, derived rationally from the climatic,
structural and geographic conditions of a region. Missing in this approach is a philosophical
inquiry to relate Dochala form with its perceived image. When Dochala is represented as an image,
this research asks, first, docs Dochala indicate any relation with human's existential values?
Second, what are the parameters shaping the Representation of Dochala for purposes other than the
existential values? In addressing these questions, this research, in addition, also identifies the'
meaning of Dochala beyond the consideration of organizing and valuing its constituent elements
only as part of a 'self-referral utilitarian product'.
A subjective method of reasoning through phenomenology, a branch of philosophy, is
considered to investigate and delineate the perception of DOG'ha/a form as an iinage. Hermeneutic
phenomenology provides a theoretical framework for this research; existing texts and images
from secondary sources are reviewed and interpreted for analysis, in particular, to find out d1C
existential parameters shaping the represented image of Do,'hala. Within this framework, the
research examines the following three issues: (a) the perception of house, first in general and then
specified to Dotha/a ; (b) the perception of Dacha/a's form as an Image within its context of time,
place and man; (c) the process of expressing the Image into Style creating a 'spatial scheme' of our
architectural tradition.
The research produced the following key fmdings. First, Docbala in general is d,e dialectic
condition of man's dwelling craving for a utopian harmony. The inlage of Dochala indicating this
harmony is the manifestation of man's existential query. This query is related with deep symbolic
level of man's relation with his environment, and is interpreted metaphorically through the
clements of architecture. Second, Docha/a reveals human existence by connecting the ambiguous
'sense of time', and for it's dweller it becomes a representing image for 'meaning of life' but
remains incapable of providing scopes for creating a sty/e. Dotha/ds inability to offer stylistic
complexity rather validates its simple representation of the complex structure of human poetics.
The findings of this research identify a few significant issues which help construct a basis for
future discourse on local architectural history and criticism. Existential din1cnsions of
contemporary local architectural practice, d1e coherence and difference of 'modernism' and
'regionalism' in this locality, nature of modernism and modernity in architecture and the role of
rural architecture in contemporary discourse are some of the issues which can be explored as a
continuation of this research.
