Reversing the Paradigm with Walter Gropius: Architecture Theory as a Social Solution

The traditional paradigm for the study of architecture theory is through an historical lens, to develop an appreciation for the values and principles of a particular era through its artifacts. Shifting this paradigm, architecture theory can, and should, serve as a basis for analyzing contemporary social problems and seeking their solutions. Research repeatedly finds that economic inequality is a global problem, and in many cases, an underpinning of social unrest. Economic inequity is a significant world issue, that must be addressed by multiple disciplines working together to develop comprehensive solutions. One manifest variable for economic inequity is a lack of adequate, affordable housing. This paper investigated Modernist architect Walter Gropius' theories on standardization, design, and construction to address the housing variable. As part of a comprehensive solution, the architecture discipline to draw from its past, including the forward-thinking ideas of leaders like Walter Gropius, to contribute to this solution.