What foundation does critical theory rely on concerning architecture?

Critical theory in architecture fundamentally relies on challenging existing norms and values, encouraging a deeper analysis of societal structures and the ideologies that shape the built environment. It emerged from a desire to understand and critique the social, political, and economic influences on architectural practice and to question who benefits from certain design decisions. By scrutinizing the status quo, practitioners can reveal underlying power dynamics and advocate for more inclusive and equitable design practices.

The emphasis of critical theory is not on aesthetic qualities alone; rather, it promotes a discourse that includes ethical and social considerations in architecture. Additionally, critical theory does not prioritize strict adherence to regulations, as these rules can often reinforce current power structures that critical theorists seek to critique. Similarly, a focus on financial profitability can overshadow important social and environmental concerns, which is contrary to the objectives of critical theory that aim to promote holistic and socially responsible approaches to architecture. This makes the choice about challenging existing norms and values central to the framework of critical theory in the architectural discourse.