Course Description

Participants will investigate the diverse range of issues confronted in the conception, making and interpretation of contemporary architecture, including urban, social, aesthetic, historical, and technological concerns. Questions will be examined through a case study model grounded in history, though the course is not structured chronologically. Along with assigned readings, specific buildings and cities will be formally analyzed to illustrate each thematic investigation. The course will include a weekly Thursday lecture and subsequent Tuesday seminar for more indepth discussion and led by students.

Lectures will address a wide range of questions such as: How do we understand and respond to the natural world? Are our reactions innate or acquired? What is sustainable architecture? What is the appropriate relationship of buildings to architectural, urban and environmental contexts? Is architecture a social instrument? How does architecture communicate meaning? How does architecture manifest a spiritual component? What are the tensions between ideas of global culture, universal modernity and local tectonics? What are legitimate forms of regional architecture? What is the appropriate relationship of new architecture to indigenous cultures? How has the digital revolution changed architecture? Do architects have ethical responsibilities and it so, to whom? Does architecture have value and how can it be evaluated?

Requirements

The following coursework is calculated into the final course grade. Late assignments will not be accepted. 50% Research Project / 25% Class Attendance + Participation / 25% Five Position Papers

Readings

Readings are available on Collab + on reserve in the Fine Arts library.