The Philosophy of Architecture - Barry O'Reilly - NDC Oslo 2024

Default philosophical thinking from computer science education shapes how architects approach problems, often limiting their perspective

Software architecture faces key challenges around time, change, and uncertainty that cannot be solved through code or traditional engineering approaches alone

Linear thinking works well for programming but architects need lateral thinking skills to handle complexity and ambiguity

Process philosophy (focusing on change and movement) is more suitable for architecture than substance philosophy (focusing on fixed essences)

Models and diagrams shouldn’t control reality - they should serve as tools while recognizing the underlying complexity and constant change

Architects need to embrace speculation, criticality, and difference rather than seeking absolute correctness

The goal of architecture is not correctness but rather creating systems that can adapt to unforeseen circumstances

Many architectural problems are philosophical in nature and require questioning fundamental assumptions about knowledge and reality

Reading outside of STEM disciplines and exposing yourself to different ways of thinking is crucial for architects

Architecture requires balancing both linear/engineering thinking and lateral/philosophical thinking rather than purely focusing on technical solutions