Defining “Center and Edge” Concepts and Their Relationship with Durability and Dynamism in Architecture

Defining “Center and Edge” Concepts and Their Relationship with Durability and Dynamism in Architecture

Durability as continuity of identity and dynamism as changing and adaptability to new conditions are important architectural discussions. This paper aims to define the concepts and positions of durability and dynamism in the architectural structure. It seems that it is important to discuss which relations and components of an architectural structure have more effective roles in supporting identity and which are among short-term factors. In this regard, the concept of ‘center’ as the main area(s) of the structure and the position of emergence of main structural properties and ‘edge’ as the secondary area(s) providing the hierarchy of subsidiary supportive properties are introduced. According to the paper argumentations, durability as the continuity of identity is dependent on unity, similarity and permanence properties of structure, emerges in center. The main activities of the architectural work also occur in this zone. Following the hierarchy of the center to margin, the unity, similarity and permanence properties of structure gradually transform into plurality, difference and change and so dynamism occurs in the edge. It should be considered that center and edge can cover abstract to physical concepts. It is also important to note that the process of forming center and edge is an organic and natural process that is widely dependent to the essence of the architectural work. This process in classic and traditional works emerged with more clarity. But in contemporary works, because of the complex intervening factors, it needs more precision and delicacy to distinguish the center and the edge.