Architectonic

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In philosophy, Architectonics is the scientific systematisation of all knowledge. The term was first used by Aristotle in his Politics to describe politics, meaning that politics encompasses all knowledge.

In architecture it is often defined as "of or relating to the science of architecture and design". In this sense, "Architectonic" means the art and science of building and construction.

In architecture it refers to use of parts as expressive signs that used together comprise the language system of the building. Beginning in the 1970's the application of semiotics to achieve a systemization of building design.

Specifically, used to describe an architectural style where the structural elements of a building are revealed, and their function is expressed in the external form of the building (often by deformation). For example, the Dancing House by architect Frank Gehry. This meaning may be derived from geology and the study of movement and deformation features of the planet's surface (see: plate "tectonics" or continental drift).