The use of metaphors to explore and describe some of the critical events that take place in the world has been a common practice. In addition, metaphors have been used to show mastery of concept and highlight some of the vital changes that are being reported in various parts of the world (Foss, 2014). There are instances where metaphors also provide a basis for knowing the world through the provision of a supportive argument about a concept. In such cases, it is imperative to understand the two main components of metaphors in order to know what the creator or speaker may be talking about (Foss, 2014). In the essay that was selected for analysis and evaluation, the author focused on the subject of metaphors and how they may be applied to the understanding architectural concepts. The author’s primary argument was based on the ideas raised by Susanne Langer on how metaphors can communicate critical insights related to architectural design. Susanne Langer opined that the maim role of architecture was to shape how human beings viewed the environment in which their lived. In addition, architecture provided a basis for expressing the rhythmic elements that characterize a particular culture or environment. Based on the concepts raised by Susanne Langer, the author of the essay strived to show that through the use of metaphors, it is possible to create architectural forms that can reaffirm or subvert the existing ideologies.
The author of the text focused on the different metaphors that Michael Graves used in the Portland Building to communicate his ideologies and pass the intended message to the audience. The author gives valid and clear insights into the subject of metaphors and architecture to show how they can be used to either reaffirm of subvert a concept. For instance, the author talks about the subject of architecture as a concept that relates to the building of a toy. When coming up with a metaphor, attempts are always made to create a source that is then used as the basis for exploring a different meaning. In the essay, the author talks about the subject of building and relates it to being similar to the process of making a toy. Just like a toy is meant to provide some form of fun and allow children to understand their environment as they play, architectural forms can also allow the audience to know their surroundings. In this sense, the author gives a valid and detail description of how metaphors are used in diverse contexts to promote a particular ideology.
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The decision by the author of the essay to analyze the work of a renewed architect also helped in improving the relevance, validity, and acceptability of the text. The author makes specific reference to some of the most important works of Michael Graves to be able to give the reader a clear picture of how metaphors have been used in the field of architecture. The process entails critically analyzing three different metaphors and explaining whether they were supporting or opposing a given perception regarding the environment. Furthermore, the clarity that exist throughout the essay allows the reader to understand the possible link between metaphors ad architecture. It is also worthy stating that there are different lessons that one can learn from the essay. First, the reader gets to learn about metaphors and their major components. Second, the reader gets to know how to link the first part of a metaphor to the message that is being communicated. Finally, the essay allows the reader to know how metaphors can affect the understanding of architectural forms.
In conclusion, the use of metaphors is a practice that has persisted for a long tie. In addition, people have used the metaphors to communicate different messages, described their environment, and understand the things that are taking place around them. The author of the essay that was analyzed in this paper managed to demonstrate how metaphorical statements can help in promoting a particular architectural form or belief.
Reference
Foss, S. K. (2009). Fantasy-Theme Criticism. In Rhetorical criticism: Exploration and practice (4th ed., pp. 101–135). Waveland Press, Inc.
