The Imaginary in Architecture: The Conceptual Structure of the Imaginary and Its Manifestations in Architectural Text

This study explores the concept of the imaginary as a collective cognitive and cultural structure that shapes symbolic reality through images, myths, and deeply rooted symbols in collective memory. The research applies this concept within the field of architecture, aiming to understand how the imaginary is embodied in architectural texts as symbolic carriers of identity and cultural meaning. Adopting a descriptive-analytical methodology, the study develops a theoretical framework comprising key components—preconditions, mechanisms, and traits of the imaginary—and applies it to two selected case studies: the General Secretariat of the Iraqi Council of Ministers and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. The findings reveal that the imaginary plays a central role in generating design concepts and activating architectural symbolism, with varying manifestations based on cultural context. The study contributes to both theoretical and practical understandings of the imaginary in architecture and advocates for its integration into architectural design education as a tool for creating meaningful, identity-driven spaces.