4 ECTS credits
100 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1019795BNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.
This course aims to give the students insight into the diversity and complexity of architectural production from Antiquity until the industrial revolution in Western Europe and North America. This course discusses prominent figures, historically significant buildings and experimental projects, idioms of architectural style, the development and (innovative) use of building materials, and the relation between science and construction technology, situated within the broader Western technological, artistic, cultural, intellectual, economic, social and political context. A broad chronological and thematical frame of reference is developed, tying in with important developments, trends and shifts in the history of architecture and construction. Moreover, specific research methodologies, approaches and practices in architectural and construction history are analysed.
The particular focus on the relation between architecture and construction, between design and building techniques, reflects the specific interest of the Department of Architectural Engineering in the relationship between architecture, building technology and structural engineering.
After attending this course, the student is expected to be able to ‘read’ and to analyse historic buildings and documents, with specific attention to architectural, constructional and historical aspects and terminology, and to contextualize, interpret and compare them (in time and space, but also in the socio-cultural, political and economic context), both verbally and written.
The course consists of interactive lectures, supplemented by recorded presentations on specific topics and guest lectures. Students are required to process part of the study material autonomously (weblectures and specific texts), prior to the interactive lectures. During the seminars, the theme of the writing assignment is explained, feedback is given and a visit is made to an architecture exhibition and/or a library or archive institution and a building or site (linked to current discussions in the architectural-historical debate or the theme of the assignment). A combination of online and on-campus lectures and/or seminars is possible.
The study material consists of slides, weblectures, a reader with compulsory and recommended literature and videos. The reader includes a selection of chapters and articles by various authors, e.g. ‘Western Architecture. A Survey from Ancient Greece to the Present’ (Ian Sutton, 1999, Thames & Hudson), ‘World Architecture: A Cross-Cultural history’ (Richard Ingersoll and Spiro Kostof, 2013, Oxford University Press) and ‘Building. 3000 years of Design, Engineering and Construction (Bill Addis, 2007, Phaidon). The slides, the compulsory and recommended texts and videos are made available via Canvas after each lesson.
The following learning outcomes are envisaged in this course unit:
1. From classical architecture to 19th-century neo-styles: describe, situate and compare architectural styles
1a/ DESCRIBE > In addition to the main formal and material characteristics of each style, I can name and explain the main concepts, canonical buildings and protagonists, making use of the appropriate terminology.
1b/ SITUATE > I can explain and situate the different styles, main concepts, canonical buildings and protagonists within the development of architectural culture and society, by arguing how they reflect the societal, ideological, technological, artistic, socio-economic, cultural and/or professional context in which they were developed.
1c/ COMPARE > Based on a visual analysis of the formal and material features, I can compare and categorize canonical buildings as well as vernacular buildings within their historical time frame.
2. Building materials, structural concepts and construction technology: describe, interpret and analyse the design and construction process
2a/ DESCRIBE > I can identify and describe major innovations in relation to materials, structures and technology, recite which actors and concepts were crucial in their development and indicate how they have been applied in canonical buildings and structures.
2b/ INTERPRET > When explaining important developments in the history of construction in Western Europe, I can relate these to the evolution of building culture and illustrate their influence on the design and construction process of concrete projects.
2c/ ANALYSE > Based on a thorough insight in the design and construction process of particular projects, I can analyse the contribution of the various actors involved and explain the added value of innovative material applications and interdisciplinary collaborations.
3. From historical sources to the built artefact (and back): historical research, analysis and development
3a/ RESEARCH > In order to conduct architectural and construction history research, independently as well as in a team, I can collect relevant information based on various sources (written and iconographic sources, inspection of the built object) and refer to the in a correct way, by making use of appropriate tools and methodologies.
3b/ ANALYSIS > I can analyse, compare, integrate and critically assess the collected information in a scientific manner (e.g. with regard to content relevance, reliability, authenticity and originality).
3c/ DEVELOPMENT > Based on the findings of the research and analysis, I can develop a scientific paper (which is logically structured, contains clearly phrased research questions, and is scientifically substantiated) and presentation; this also implies that I can communicate verbally, in writing and visually, using the correct terminology and (digital) tools.
4. From past to present: interpretation, motivation and reflection
4a/ INTERPRETATION > By comparing different texts (e.g. from a different time period or from a different perspective), I can explain in my own words how historiography is an interpretation of the past, which is characterised by the specific approach and choices of the author.
4b/ MOTIVATION > By referring to particular projects and best practices, I can demonstrate how a sensitive understanding of the architectural and building culture of a given time and place can be used to make a sustainable, respectful contribution to the built environment, in relation to current (societal) challenges.
4c/ REFLECTION > I can reflect on my own work and that of others in a constructive and critical way.
In addition, this course unit also addresses the following general learning outcomes of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering: Architecture:
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 65% of the final mark.
PRAC Paper determines 30% of the final mark.
Other determines 5% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Paper category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Other category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The final grade is determined by an oral exam with written preparation, an assignment on building archaeological research and analysis, and small assignments throughout the semester.
Part 1: Oral exam
Oral exam with written preparation, in which each student is asked a selection of questions that are spread representatively over the entire course.
Part 2: Building archaeological research and analysis
Research into a building, oeuvre, technique or publication (as determined according to the annual theme, e.g. building materials, private dwellings, public space) with attention to historical, architectural and constructive but also socio-economic, cultural and political factors. The research and analysis is processed into an oral presentation and a written paper (with attention to scientific references, structure, iconographic material, etc.).
Part 3. Daily Work
Small assignments are given throughout the semester, e.g. a critical reflection on a particular topic or on the excursion in the form of one-minute papers.
Score weight:
65% of the final grade is based on the oral exam (part 1).
30% of the final grade is based on the building archaeological research and analysis (part 2).
5% of the final grade is based on 'daily work' (part 3).
To pass this part of the course, a minimum score of 8/20 for part 1 and part 2 is required. Partial exemptions only apply within the same academic year.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Urban Studies: Standard track
Bridging Programme Master of Science in Urban Design and Spatial Planning: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)