The basic truths of architecture have been forgotten. This paper searches for
the solution in the knowledge of metaphysical settings of architecture. More
precisely, the metaphysical aspects of ontology, gnoseology, axiology and
methodology; which together represent the basic criteria of a scientific
paradigm. The initial question must be gnoseological, i.e. - what is the
raison d??tre of architecture? The analysis leads to an assumption that
without knowing the metaphysics of man there can be no knowledge of the
metaphysics of architecture; that is, a conclusion can be drawn that the
problem of metaphysic of man in architecture has not been posed. Therefore,
man must be the main issue of architecture, as well as of this paper. Given
that the problem of knowledge in general sense, and therefore of man, is
also of theological and philosophical nature, in this paper, the problem of
man is understood as a gnoseological choice; namely: the choice between man
as man-god (man is the source of knowledge) and man as god-man (God is the
source of knowledge). Respectively, there is a choice between historical
antipodes, the paradigm of anthropo-theocentrism and the paradigm of
theo-anthropocentrism. In this paper, I argue that the issue of god-man and
the paradigm of Orthodox theoanthropocentrism, as interpreted by Justin
Popovic, is potentially the most comprehensive solution to the problem of
raison d??tre of man, and architecture that he creates. Discussion and
analysis have established that, in this pattern, man is seen as a holistic,
spiritual and physical entity, whose primary need to be met and his raison
d??tre - is deification. Thereby, architecture of orthodox
theo-anthropocentrism acquires not only a physical, but also a spiritual,
and thus, a holistic dimension. It may represent a symbolic means (through
sensory and primarily visual representation) of man?s ascension to God.
Theo-anthropocentric paradigm solves the metaphysical foundations and
potentially forms more holistically organized architecture that meets the
equally holistic, spiritual and physical, needs of man. Its material
manifestation is determined by only one criterion - deification.