Architectural Humanities II

Code

ABEE2010

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

An introduction to contemporary approaches to the theory, criticism and interpretation of architecture. This course provides a historical, cultural and philosophical context to the major contemporary debates in architecture today, in order to develop an understanding of architecture's potential as both a useful and meaningful cultural activity. Key issues from the history of philosophy will be examined alongside a range of building case-studies in order to develop a series of alternative interpretive frameworks through which buildings may be analysed, criticised, debated and understood. This process will also engage with interdisciplinary debates in fields such as art, technology, social and cultural studies, politics and ecology, as well as the major schools of twentieth century philosophy, such as Phenomenology, Deconstruction, Structuralism and Critical Theory.

Target Students

K100, BArch - Year 2 and MEng Architecture and Environmental Design - Year 2 or 3

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: 3000 word illustrated essay

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

[ARB GC2.1, GC2.2, GC7.1]: The student will have the ability to critically review built examples of modern and contemporary architecture from a number of philosophical perspectives, as well as a developing understanding of how to select and assess precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategies of studio design projects.

[ARB GC2.1, GC2.2]: The student will have knowledge of the cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings, as well as an understanding of the influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture.

[ARB GC1.3 GC2.3 GC3.1 GC3.2 GC3.3]: The student will develop an understanding of how the theories, practices and technologies of the arts (including philosophy and the history of ideas) might be creatively applied in architectural design, in terms of their conceptualisation and representation, demonstrating a reflective and critical approach to the consideration of aesthetic, technical and user requirements.

[ARB GC5.1 GC6.3]: The student will be introduced to the potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed communities, as well as the needs and aspirations of building users.

[ARB GA1.4]: On completion of the module students will have the ability to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions in order to make sound judgments within a structured discourse relating to architectural culture, theory and design, and to present a piece of written work according to established academic conventions.

Conveners

• Professor Jonathan Hale