The Catalogue as a Research Methodology

This paper argues the role of the catalogue as a research tool in architecture. Therefore, the investigation starts with the work of Durand: a collection of drawings of different buildings through copies, imitations and representations. Furthermore, the catalogue research investigates typology research projects and defines design methods. The research published by Gianfranco Caniggia proposed a more systematic approach to architectural and urban morphology atalogues. The relevance of such an approach is based on understanding architectural typologies considering the system of relations and the criteria to select and collect drawings. The more contemporary case of Associative design by Prof. Trummer is based on emergent systems that repeat over time because they can respond to different social and environmental factors. How can the methodological approach of architectural catalogues drive and outline the research in architecture? The question is addressed through the three mentioned research methodologies.