Abstract
The article posits that semiotics can serve as an analytical tool for sign systems, much like linguistics. It treats architecture as a “social text” and a “visual language of society”. Using the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House of Bangladesh) designed by Louis I. Kahn as its primary subject, the paper conducts a Saussurean semiotic analysis. It identifies specific signs within the building—defining their signifiers and signifieds—and examines the syntagmatic (positional) and paradigmatic (substitutional) relations between them. The study explores how architectural elements like light, water, and materials establish communication and reflect the cultural elements of a society.
3. Used References
The article draws on several major linguistic and architectural sources, including:
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Ashraf, K. K., & Haque, S. (2002): Regarding the architectural innovations of Louis I. Kahn.
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Barthes, R. (1967): For the dimensions of the axes of combination and selection.
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Chandler, D. (2002): Used extensively for definitions of semiotic “text,” signifiers, signifieds, and structural analysis.
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Haque, S. (2002): Relating to the materials and ties to Mughal monuments.
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Kahn, L. I. (1968): Original architectural philosophies and representations.
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Khan, M. A., & Khan, K. (2001): Regarding the history and project development of the complex.
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Kress, G., & Van Leeuwen, T. (1996): For spatial dimensions in visual texts, such as left/right, top/bottom, and centre/margin.
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Saussure, F. de (1974): The fundamental basis for the syntagmatic and paradigmatic analysis.
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Silverman, K. (1983): Regarding Saussure’s systemic relationships.