Limits of Representation

This study aims to analyze the limits of representation of architectural photographic images in periodicals within architectural media that shape today's architectural production. This aim is accomplished in three sections; "examining the power of image in architecture"; "examining architectural media" and "examining the periodicals' attitudes towards using architectural photography". A case study is done to uncover the relationship between the photograph and the medium that it takes place on and determine the continuities and discontinuities between the architecture and visual language that is used to 'represent' it. Zaha Hadid is selected as she is one of the leading figures in contemporary architectural culture and her projects are widely published in media. The exemplary periodicals from different cultural domains are selected according to their positions in architectural media. Selected examples are thought to be the representative for each domain. The contextual properties of each domain are outlined and compared through a set of variables which appear to form the ground for the identification of the limits of architectural media within contemporary architectural production.