The role of the diagram in architecture

During a relatively short but intense period of the 1990’s, the diagram dominated the architectural debate. Architects began to take a more pragmatic stance towards design, to revaluate the notion of spatial organization within projects, and to look for new ways to cope with the increasing amount of information in design processes. In this context the diagram appeared as an innovative tool, capable of integrating information from architecture´s outside, whilst at the same time leaving behind the predominant position of representational theories. Making reference to the most important texts that theorize the diagram within the architectural context, this paper suggests two main characteristics for the shift towards a practice of diagrammatic design: the instrumentalization of the diagram and the technique of transposition. Then, looking at the work of the main architects associated with the use of diagrams, four ways of implementation will be described. The article concludes that, even though the architectural debate has turned towards different questions, the diagram is still an integral part of contemporary architectural practice.