The architectural work, a totality realized in space that also means in time and coordinates with the multiplicities of desire and relationship with the other, is an open system; thus, the finished work is an open work.

This marvelous and challenging reality of the architectural work also defines the study of the work and the theoretical approaches. The issues discussed in this book and the theoretical perspective that attempts to classify and interpret them are open, as the very complexity and nature of architectural composition are open.

Therefore, the book itself is open.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]