| CODE | AUD5222 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Contemporary Architectural Discourse | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Architecture and Urban Design | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit is based on a number of readings (by theorists, critics, architects, lecturers), with a common denominator, which are used to introduce different topics, within a historical framework, supplemented by formal lectures based on relevant visuals and case studies, to introduce and develop contemporary architectural theory. Taught from the context of the practice point of view, theory is intended to help the practical aspect of architecture. Specific aspects of architectural theory, and architects and their theory and practice, (e.g. Norman Foster & technologies movement, Phenomenology & Wang Shu, Form and Sensual Geometry & Zaha Hadid, Pragmatic approaches & Rem Koolhaas, etc.) will be studied through a number of case studies, so as to offer a visual and experiential understanding of the context and expose each architect’s design processes, philosophy, decision making, choice of materials, observations of the cultural and social change. Wherever possible, the study-unit will include a study tour, with a destination which is selected to combine history and theoretical issues. Study-unit Aims: The study-unit has the objective of guiding students through basics of reading, and the skills of researching, criticizing and writing about architecture, which will lead them to greater depths in their design philosophies. The study-unit proposes the study of theories of architecture to allow for understanding and critical assessment of contemporary architecture. This study-unit is not only a tool to help in the design process but also a tool through which the student will learn what to search for and how to ask the right questions towards the creation of a deeper architecture. In addition, the study-unit aims to help students start to reflect and draw parallels to their own design processes. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Undertake discourse on contemporary architectural movements and debates; - Critically review contemporary writings on the theory of architecture. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Undertake research on contemporary theories of architecture and critically review writings; - Write a research paper on contemporary architectural theories, or an architectural critique essay; - Find his/her design philosophy more firmly on his/her own, critically developed, theory of architecture. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Greig Crysler, Stephen Cairns, and Hilde Heynen. (eds) “The SAGE Handbook of Architectural Theory”. (Available at: http://www.amazon.co.uk/SAGE-Handbook-Architectural-Theory/dp/1446282635) Recommended readings will include a number of texts which will be selected to form the basis of the seminars led by the various lecturers participating in the study-unit. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Seminar & Independent Study | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Alexia Mercieca Jing Yao Xu |
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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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