Environmental integralism: New prospects for the ontology, the aesthetics, and the ethics of architectural works

Abstract

This contribution aims to explore a certain ontological approach to architectural works called ‘environmental integralism’, according to which the architectural work does not run out in the building, but includes at least part of the environment in which the building is located. Social context is also relevant in order to assess its functional and its aesthetic values. Not only that, environmental integralism may be understood as a form of paving the way for developing an ethical approach to architecture. In this sense, this talk tries to focus on the social and environmental role in architectural appreciation. This should be understood as showing how ontological debates may have an influence on aesthetic as well as on ethical considerations.