Knowledge + Architecture: A Short Introduction

Cognition x Environment

To investigate the relationship between knowledge and environmental conditions, Knowledge Architecture researches the influences and interdepedences between 1. cognitive and social sciences (e.g. AI, psychology, pedagogics) and 2. environmental and design sciences (e.g. architecture, city planning, spatial design).

Knowledge

The term "knowledge" refers to cognitive processes ranging from thinking to learning to problem solving. These processes are influenced by environmental conditions. In order to know how environments can influence knowledge, it is essential to know about knowledge itself. Knowledge work is therefore production and creativity based on intellectual processes such as learning, education, research and innovation. Knowledge processes, in turn, are based on cognitive activities such as reasoning, ideation, problem solving, which are studied by fields such as psychology, neuroscience or communication studies.

Architecture

The term "architecture" refers to the structures of the environment and all the processes of their formation: "architecting". This spans multiple scales: workplaces, buildings, campus areas, urban environments. All these environments are subject to design and planning, which in turn affects the knowledge work that takes place in them. Beyond a purely physical notion of environment, non-physical environments such as social networks, technological systems or cultural spheres also play a crucial role in knowledge processes. These environments also have a specific order or 'architecture', which to some extent is the result of design and construction.