Theory

Bekleidung (Dressing/Cladding)

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Semper's theory that the wall originates in weaving and that 'dressing' precedes structure, treating envelope as primary cultural sign.

Tectonics Sign Meaning

Details

Introduced
1851-1863

Classifications

Holder
Individual
Source of authority
Reason
Subject
Human centred
Mode of transmission
Text drawing
Knowledge type
Propositional
Epistemic cluster
Western philosophical

Referenced by

Sources

  1. Cambridge UP. n.d.. https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/arts-theatre-culture/architecture/four-elements-architecture-and-other-writings.
  2. Semper, Gottfried. Style in the Technical and Tectonic Arts; or, Practical Aesthetics (Der Stil). Getty Research Institute, 2004.

Cite this entry

First published May 2026Last revised Jul 2026

CLAD. "Bekleidung (Dressing/Cladding)." Atlas of Architectural Thought. CLAD, 2026. https://www.cl-ad.com.au/research/atlas/theory/bekleidung/. Accessed July 17, 2026.