COURSE DESCRIPTION
Approach to architectural thoughts from a
philosophical stance. The ...formations of theories in societies and
their impact upon 20th century architecture. The study of modern
theories in architecture (interactions between art and science, urban
meanings, historical dimensions, structures and buildings). Examples
from 20th century architecture (from Department Bulletin).
INTRODUCTION
The modern movement in architecture which roughly
began at the end of the 19th century had profound implications on the
development of architecture throughout the world. Starting out as a
movement aiming at social change it developed what has been termed as
"the international style." Resulting in uniform structures in
many different regions, thereby ignoring cultural and climatic factors,
many architects turned against modernism. The result was a plethora of
styles, ideas, and theoretical discourses such as post-modernism,
de-construction, critical regionalism, etc. The course aims at
exploring these developments by studying the extensive output (writings
and buildings) of its architects and theoreticians. Unlike any other
period in history, 20th century architecture is supported by numerous
writings aiming at identifying the ideas behind the design of
buildings, cities, etc. This provides an excellent opportunity for
understanding how (and why) such developments took place.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Define the term theory and explore the various
types of architectural theory (Normative vs. Positive theory; the
difference between architectural and design theory).
2. Explore the relationship between theory and
practice and why the study of history and theory could be of use for
students and practitioners in the Arab world.
3. Examine major developments in 20th century
architecture (early modernism till late modernism).
4. Identify the unique characteristics of the
modern movement in architecture and how it differed from previous
periods.
5. Asses the extent to which the development of
architectural thought in the 20th century matched the development of
other art forms (the relationship between architecture and cubism for
example).
COURSE ACTIVITIES
The course consists of two parts:
1. Interactive Lecture: the issues identified above will be presented through
examples. Lectures will be posted on Blackboard and identified through
a timeline (see link above). The lecture itself is a multi-media
presentation, which will include video clips of selected projects,
images and text.
2. Seminar: presentation
of research projects dealing with the various topics identified in the
lecture; discussion of issues pertaining to the course; research of
topics.
STUDENT EVALUATION
Students are expected to participate actively in
the course. This consists in posing relevant questions during the
lecture; reading any handouts or papers provided by the instructor. In
addition research projects represent an important component of the
students final grade. The distribution of the final grade will be as
follows:
1. Attendance: according to University
regulations (strictly enforced).
2. Class participation, assignments; research
projects; portfolio: 50%
3. Mid-term exam: 20%
4. Final exam: 30%
PORTFOLIO
Each student is required to submit a final
portfolio, which will include sketches and diagrams of buildings
studied throughout the semester. This will be checked periodically and
will represent 10% of each students class work.
COURSE SCHEDULE
1. Introduction
2. Types of architectural theory
3. Development of architectural
theory in the west
4. Modernism: Artistic Precursors
5. Functionalism vs. Formalism 1
6. Functionalism vs. Formalism 2
7. Chicago School
8. Organic Architecture and Frank
Lloyd Wright
9. Mid-term Exam
10. International Style
11. The failure of modern
architecture
12. Late Developments
13. Post-modernism and
Deconstruction
14. Contemporary Architecture
15. Research Presentation
16. Final Exam
