The article considers form generation in architecture based on reminiscence as a special form of creative thinking defined by the author as a mnemonic tool. This form is characterized by metaphorical techniques reflecting historical relationships between the model stylized and the stylizing composition. By studying the specific features of mnemonic thinking, one can construct iconographic arrays by extent of artist’s creative activity: replication of historical prototype, combinatory variation of traditional elements, and associative interpretation of the theme. Thus, in architecture, as well as in other genres of art such as painting, graphics, literature, drama, etc., historical pictures of associations and classical references occur which organically combine with innovations in composition. Interpretation of these pictures is a job for an informed viewer who supplements the semantics of architectural constructions with the help of his/her imagination.