| CODE | AUD3223 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Space Syntax in Domestic Architecture | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Architecture and Urban Design | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Space syntax offers techniques for the analysis of spatial configurations. In this unit, it is used to analyse various aspects of domestic space in the Maltese islands from the late Medieval Period to the second half of the twentieth century, considering different types of dwellings: palazzi and palatial houses, urban dwelling, rural houses, farmhouses and cave-dwellings. Through an anthropological perspective, it also studies the relationship between houses and settlements and the influence of settlement networks on people. Study-unit Aims: The study-unit is aimed at introducing students, particularly those interested in reading for a post-graduate degree in Architectural Design, to the discipline of space syntax, using local domestic architecture to illustrate the theory. In particular, this unit covers the following aspects: 1. What is a house?; 2. The main sources for the study of domestic space in Malta; 3. The evolution of domestic space in Malta: 1300 – 1966; 4. The house as a symbol of economic power, social status and gender differentiation; 5. Settlement development in the Maltese islands; 6. Elements of space syntax to understand domestic space and settlement networks. This unit comprises lectures and an element of practicum. Through the latter the student would be able to understand better the theoretical aspects covered during the lectures. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - identify the elements of space syntax analysis, used to understand domestic space and settlement networks; - understand the characteristics of local domestic architecture, its evolution in Malta, and its significance; - understand the way settlements have developed in Malta over the centuries. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - understand discussions on space syntax analysis, and applications to urban and building design; - critically assess the elements of domestic space, in order to apply to contemporary design. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Hiller, B and Hanson, J, The Social Logic of Space, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1984. - Said-Zammit, G., The Development of Domestic Space in the Maltese Islands from the Late Middle Ages to the Second Half of the Twentieth Century, PhD Thesis, University of Leiden, 2016. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Seminar & Independent Study | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | George Said |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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