Course detail

Chapters from the Theory of Architecture

FA-KTA-TAcad. year: 2021/2022

Selected outline of fundamental theoretical concepts of architecture from the ancient roots to the representatives of Renaissance and Baroque approach, to the development theories of the 19th century, and the contemporary analysis of the architectural language.
In the study programme “Architecture and Urban Design” the course is part of the theoretical courses.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Department

Department of Monument Care (UPP)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

– Students will familiarize themselves with the key personalities and concepts of the theory of architecture.
– Students will understand the place of architecture in the network of relevant disciplines.
– Students will demonstrate their ability to integrate theoretical and historiographical knowledge into the process of design in their individual text and drawing portfolio.
– Students will apply their knowledge of the key concepts of the theory of architecture in their more precise conceptual and creative work.
– Students will improve their ability to verbally reflect and interpret the architecture.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The lecturer's exposition is integrated with students' individual work in which the students apply selected acquired theoretical concepts in their individual architectural design (e.g. “Design a house for a client using Vitruvius´ recommendations, and then explain and defend your solution”).

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

To be awarded a graded credit, students must participate in the in-semester consultations of the assigned work and to submit the specified portfolio before the deadline (ten drawings and a ten-page essay).

Course curriculum

1. Theory of architecture, aesthetics, and further types of discussion about architecture
2. Vitruvius
3. Alberti
4. Palladio
5. Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach
6. Gottfried Semper
7. Christopher Alexander
8.–13. Author interpretation

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to introduce the key concepts of the theory of architecture, to explore their current validity, and to extend the abilities to apply the theoretical and historiographic knowledge in the design as well as in the retrospective reflection of the design in the theory.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The registered students must submit the portfolio with drawings and an essay of the required extent.
In the case of a student's apology and with approval of the subject guarantor, personal attendance may be substituted with online attendance in the classes.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

ALBERTI, Leon Battista. Deset knih o stavitelství. Praha: SNKLHU, 1956. (CS)
KRUFT, Hanno-Walter. Dejiny teórie architektúry. Bratislava: Pallas, 1993. ISBN 80-7095-009-9. (SK)
PALLADIO, Andrea. Čtyři knihy o architektuře. Praha: SNKLHU, 1958. (CS)
SALINGAROS, Nikos A. Sjednocená teorie architektury: Forma, jazyk, komplexita. Brno: VUTIUM - BP Publishing, 2017. ISBN 978-80-7485-138-4. (CS)
VITRUVIUS POLLIO, Marcus. Deset knih o architektuře. Praha: Baset, 2001. ISBN 80-86410-23-4. (CS)

Recommended reading

ALEXANDER, Christopher. The Nature of Order I. The Phenomenon of Life. Berkeley: The Center for Environmental Structure, 2002. ISBN 978-0-9726529-1-9. (EN)
ALEXANDER, Christopher. The Nature of Order II. The Process of Creating Life. Berkeley: The Center for Environmental Structure, 2002. ISBN 0-9726529-2-2. (EN)
EISENMAN/KRIER, Two Ideologies. New York: The Monacelli Press, 2005. ISBN 978-1580931397. (EN)
KREUL, Andreas. Johann Berhnard Fischer von Erlach: Regie der Relation. Salzburg - München: Anton Pustet, 2006. ISBN 978-3-7025-0534-9. (DE)
MALLGRAVE, Harry Francis. Gottfried Semper: Architect of the Nineteenth Century. New Haven - London: Yale University Press, 1996. ISBN 978-0300066241. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N_A+U Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

  • Programme ARCHURB Bachelor's

    branch ARCH , 4 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Seminar

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer