ARCT06008 2019 Architectural Context and Theory I
Architectural Context and Theory I is an introductory and global survey course that sets out a broad history of architecture from prehistory to the 21st century. The aim is to situate the discipline of architecture within its social and cultural context. The global survey is explored through time-cuts, with a focus on key individuals, buildings, landscapes, urban settings, emphasising connections, contrasts, and influences of architectural movements throughout history.
The context modules provide the skills to research and analyse a range of issues related to architecture and introduces the core vision points of the programme: interpretation of place; the power of architecture to transform; the possibilities of reusing and adapting our built heritage; and human experience and perception of space. These modules provide the theoretical framework for the design projects.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Identify key movements in architectural development from prehistory to 21st century
Utilise conventional architectural modes and styles of discourse to describe architecture of a specific period.
Examine how knowledge is originated in architecture and transformed and framed by it.
Discuss the basic intellectual, social, scientific, technological and cultural underpinnings of architecture.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
The Teaching and Learning strategies for Architectural Context & Theory I comprises a series of 12 thematic lectures and weekly 1 hour seminar and/or tutorial based activities. Lectures supported by images and texts, provide the themes concepts and general context. Seminars offer opportunities for more detailed thematic analyses, visual and textual analyses and group discussion. Workshops allow for focused interaction, research methodologies and oral communication strategies. Fundamental skills of reading, analysis and academic writing will be developed, along with the communication of architectural ideas through evaluation of precedent through words and diagrams. Both individual and group work modes are utilised throughout.
Module Assessment Strategies
Formative assessment deliverables address the module learning outcomes. The assessment strategy focuses on the student's introduction to the subject Architectural Context and Theory through:
- Research and visual methodologies
- Information literacy skills
- Written composition
Oral presentation
Repeat Assessments
Repeat assessment will be dependent on failed components. This will be confirmed at formal exam boards.
Indicative Syllabus
Lectures and seminars are organized by “time–cuts”, twelve chronological slices of time, beginning with 3500 BCE and ending with 1950 CE. Each of the twelve time-cuts are presented and discussed in lectures with case studies. Assigned readings on particular case studies will form part of the seminars.
Sample Architectural Context & Theory I Schedule
Wk 1 - Lecture 1: Introduction; Seminar/Tutorial 1: Readings / Discussion
Wk 2 - Lecture 2: 3500 BCE and 2500 BCE and 1500 BCE; Seminar/Tutorial 2: Readings / Discussion
Wk 3 - Lecture 3: 800 BCE and 400 BCE; Seminar/Tutorial 3: Readings / Discussion
Wk 4 - Lecture 4: 600 and 800 and 1000; Seminar/Tutorial 4: Readings / Discussion
Wk 5 - Lecture 5: 1200 CE; Seminar/Tutorial 5: Readings / Discussion
Wk 6 - Lecture 6: 1400 CE; Seminar/Tutorial 6: One to One Tutorials Assignment 1
Wk 7 - Assignment 1: Timeline Seminar Presentation
Wk 8 - Lecture 8: 1600 CE; Seminar/Tutorial 8: Readings / Discussion
Wk 9 - Lecture 9: 1700 CE ; Seminar/Tutorial 9: Readings / Discussion
Wk 10 - Lecture 10: 1800 CE; Seminar/Tutorial 10: Readings / Discussion
Wk 11 - Lecture 11: 1900 CE; Seminar/Tutorial 11: Readings / Discussion
Wk 12 - Lecture 12: 1950 CE; Seminar/Tutorial 12: One to One Tutorials Assignment 2
Wk 13 – Assignment 2: Essay Submission
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Assignment 1: Seminar Timeline Presentation | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 35 % | Week 7 | 1,4 |
2 | Assignment 2: Illustrated Essay (1,800 words) | Coursework Assessment | Essay | 65 % | Week 13 | 2,3 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | Lecture | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Tutorial | Flat Classroom | Seminar | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2017 A global history of architecture Wiley
1997 The architecture of Ireland: from the earliest times to 1880 Lambay Books
1996 Modern Architecture since 1900 Phaidon
2010 A history of architecture: settings and rituals Oxford University Press.
2014 The city assembled: the elements of urban form through history Thames & Hudson
2014 Art and architecture of Ireland. Volume 4, Architecture, 1600-2000 Yale University Press
1991 Ireland and the New Architecture 1900-1940 The Lilliput Press
1972 Architecture and sculpture in Ireland, 1150-1350 Barnes & Noble Books
2004 Analysing architecture Routledge
2014 Twenty-five buildings every architect should understand Taylor & Francis Ltd
Module Resources
see book list
see module hand book
www.riai.ie
Recommended reading:
Bell, J. (2010). The new modern house: redefining functionalism. London, UK: Laurence King.
Ching, F.D.K., (1999). Form, space and order. London, UK: John Wiley & Sons.
Farrelly, L. (2007). The fundamentals of architecture. Lausanne, Switzerland: AVA.
Norberg-Schulz, C. (1993). Concept of dwelling. New York, USA: Rissoli.
Rothery. S. (1997). A field guide to the buildings of Ireland. Ireland: Lilliput Press.
Shaffrey, P., & Shaffrey, M. (1984). Buildings of Irish Towns: Treasures of Everyday Architecture. Architectural Press.
Unwin, S. (2004). Analysing architecture. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
Unwin, S. (2014). Twenty-five buildings every architect should understand. London, UK: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Weston, R. (2004). Plans, sections and elevations: key buildings of the twentieth century. UK: Laurence King.