The Emblematic as a genre and tool for research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5821/jida.2025.13596Keywords:
Andrea Alciato, emblem, emblematic, paradigm, research by designAbstract
The results of a course from the research block of a Master's Degree in Architectural Communication are presented, the aim of which is to formulate a topic with its initial hypotheses and objectives. Research by Design has been used through the implementation of Emblematic in the course practices. This hybrid genre, which emerged in the 16th century from the encounter between the jurist Alciato and the publisher Steiner, is based on a ternary structure in which image and word are united with a symbolic and communicative function. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate its validity as a method for the development of cross-disciplinary skills in different fields: if the ad hoc arrangement of Warburg's Atlas lends itself to the configuration of the research structure, the hierarchical yet versatile nature of the emblem can be used in the speculative and project-based fields to conceptualise and communicate results.
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