Architectural Theory & Criticism: Description
Architectural Theory & Criticism: Description
Architectural Theory & Criticism: Description
DESCRIPTION
Broadly speaking this course involves the study of late twentieth century architecture theory and criticism through the analysis of
seminal buildings and writings. The aim of the course is not to offer an overarching survey that summarizes the theoretical debates
of the last century. Rather it aims to sketch a partial map for finding the different theoretical trajectories and debates within three
interrelated periods on: Modernism, Postmodernism and Projective (Post-critical). Instead of creating a linear history of theory, the
subject of study will be juxtaposed with art, culture and politics of that time to provide an illuminating contextual background. The
course intends to generate a dialogue and understanding between theory and practice, allowing students to further consider their
instrumental relationships.
OBJECTIVE
● To incite and sustain individual's curiosity in architecture theory and criticism.
● To sketch a fractional map for finding architecture’s disparate theoretical and critical tendencies and trajectories for the
twentieth century in architecture.
● To analyze critical writing and built work, and to draw out the ideas behind them
● To provide an intellectual bridge across the suspended space between theory and practice
● To allow individuals to develop their own lens for which to interpret and make sense of architecture theory and criticism.
COURSE FORMAT
The structure of the course is based on lectures and seminars. Students will exercise the writing of abstracts and articles and give
Powerpoint presentations.
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS
1 W 12.09 Introduction: Part One
Write an architectural critique of an architectural, engineering or urban project in the Pearl River Delta including Hong Kong and
Macao.
● Include proper images and plans (site plan, sections etc.) which allow the reader to understand the architectural decisions of
the project (image quality (300 dpi).
● The article should have a length of 2-3 double pages including images.
● According to international standards for publishing, all images have to be labeled with captions (name of project, place,
architect(s), year of planning and completion, image source).
● Note references and further readings.
● Use layout format provided by course assistant (XXX).
● The article should have the standard of an article publishable in a professional architectural journal without further
adjustments. Before handing the article it has to be revised and signed by one classmate of free choice.
Due: October 24
Assignment 2
Group Presentations on Architectural Theory
One Group Presentation (PPT) a 20 minutes (three or four students in each group).
Make sure that the presentation is concise and keeps the time limited. Presentation will be interrupted after 20 minutes to allow
enough time for discussions.
This paper allows you to explore your own interests in architectural design and to situate your argument within the three theoretical
periods of Modernism, Postmodernism and Projective. The paper might be related to the work of a particular architect, a specific
building or a self-defined theme. Choose a topic that might inform and enrich your own designs.
● Include proper images and plans (site plan, sections etc.).
● The article should have a length of 10 A4 pages including images.
● According to international standards for publishing, all images have to be labeled with captions (name of project, place,
architect(s), year of planning and completion, image source).
● Note references and further readings.
● Use the same layout format provided for assignment I.
● Before handing the paper it has to be revised and signed by one classmate of free choice.
Due: December 14
Use the requested abstract to formulate a first idea for this individual paper. Bring print out of your abstract (1 A4 page) to
seminar session on September 16.
ASSESSMENT
For the two papers the intellectual strength of the argumentation is valued most. Nevertheless, a good or excellent grade (B or
above) can only be achieved if the paper is based on a solid research on the specific topic and a professional presentation. Texts
which fail to name all sources of their information (incl. image sources) properly will not be considered for grades in the B range
or above (see guideline below). The course blog can be used for discussions related to the course with your classmates and the
teacher. Involvement in online discussions can count as part of the participation grade and is strongly encouraged. However it
can not substitute the active involvement in the seminars. To be able to involve in the discussions and get a broader theoretical
understanding students are expected to read the seminar texts for each session posted on the blog.
Assessment Scheme:
Participation: 20%
Paper 1 (Individual): 20% (An architectural critique, 4 A4 pages)
Presentation (Group work): 20%
Final Paper 2 (Individual): 40% (A self-defined topic based on the four theoretical trajectories of the course, 10 A4 pages)
DEADLINES
Abstract on Paper 2 due on September 27, 2012
Paper 1 due on October 24, 2012
Paper 2 due on December 14, 2012
All papers have to include footnotes and a bibliography. All used images have to be labeled.
The authors' names (no initials) and dates are given in the body of the text - for example (Biddle and Hill, 1971) - and the references
are listed alphabetically at the end of the paper, under the heading
'References', in the following form:
Biddle, M. and Hill, D. (1971) 'Late Saxon planned towns', Antiquaries Journal 51, 70-85.
Conzen, M.R.G. (1968) 'The use of town plans in the study of urban history', in Dyos, H.J. (ed.) The study of urban history (Edward
Arnold, London) 113-30.
Hillier, B. (1996) Space is the machine (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge).
1. A system in which numbers are inserted in the text - for example 3,4 - and references to these are given in numerical
order at the end of the paper, under the heading 'Notes', in the following form: