THE PROBLEM OF THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THE EARLY DISCUSSIONS OF THE STRUCTURAL STUDY ASSOCIATES (SSA)

This study examines the minutes of 1931 meetings of the architectural group Structural Study Associates (SSA) to clarify its early activities and internal debates. At these meetings, R. Buckminster Fuller and other members discussed the relationship between theory and practice in housing design. These exchanges reflected a shift in the group’s concerns and contributed to redefining its overall direction. As a result, the SSA moved from its original practice-oriented objectives toward a more philosophical exploration of design, while also recognizing the importance of “time” as a key element linking theory and practice.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ)
Published
2026-03-31
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3130/aija.91.968
Primary Topic
Architecture, Design, and Social History
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

THE PROBLEM OF THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THE EARLY DISCUSSIONS OF THE STRUCTURAL STUDY ASSOCIATES (SSA)

Takahiko KANEMAKI
Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ)
Architecture, Design, and Social History
article

THE PROBLEM OF THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THE EARLY DISCUSSIONS OF THE STRUCTURAL STUDY ASSOCIATES (SSA)

Takahiko KANEMAKI
article en

Abstract

This study examines the minutes of 1931 meetings of the architectural group Structural Study Associates (SSA) to clarify its early activities and internal debates. At these meetings, R. Buckminster Fuller and other members discussed the relationship between theory and practice in housing design. These exchanges reflected a shift in the group’s concerns and contributed to redefining its overall direction. As a result, the SSA moved from its original practice-oriented objectives toward a more philosophical exploration of design, while also recognizing the importance of “time” as a key element linking theory and practice.

Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ)Vol. 91(842)
Kanagawa University (JP)
Sustainable cities and communities
Openalex Percentile: Top 7%
Architecture, Design, and Social History
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