“Aphaeresis”: Sustainable pedagogy in architecture

Department of Architecture, University of Patras, Patras, Greece

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Abstract

Architecture is traditionally seen as a process of addition—building upon what already exists. However, the concept of unbuilding, or removal, has been largely absent from architectural discourse, despite its historical presence in the field. This paper challenges the conventional understanding of architecture by proposing Aphaeresis—the act of intentional subtraction and removal—as a new design methodology and pedagogy. Rooted in a critical revaluation of architectural practice, Aphaeresis offers an alternative framework for approaching the built environment, one that sees the removal of existing structures as a valuable process in its own right. This thesis explores Aphaeresis through the analysis of the Tudela-Culip Restoration project in Cap de Creus (early 21st century), examining the narrative and design processes. This case study reveals how moments of crisis—whether economic, cultural, or environmental—have historically catalyzed architectural innovation, leading to the development of new methodologies such as Aphaeresis. This study argues that Aphaeresis challenges the notion of architecture solely as an act of addition, urging architects to embrace removal as a transformative tool to address the urban complexities of today and to align design with evolving cultural values