Course detail

Elaboration of Master´s Thesis M6 – Research, Theory and Criticism

FA-DP6-AAcad. year: 2022/2023

In this course, students work on their Master's thesis.
The module Research, Theory and Criticism focuses on the formulation of individual research and theoretical problems / assignments, their testing and solutions. The general starting points of individual research methods and procedures are: formulation of architectural questions, problems and assignments; critical work with literature and studied projects (search for architectural precedents, author’s methods of research and design); own display / text analysis, comparison and testing; specification of a new, not yet (solved) architectural assignment and variant proposals of solution procedures. The module enables a whole range of outputs of solved projects: architectural and urban studies, research in archives and in situ research protocols, book and/or model, installation / exhibition, video, events in public space, etc.
Methodical supervision of students is also provided by the parallel course Master's Thesis Seminar (provided for all modules together).

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

27

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Ing. arch. Monika Mitášová, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Theory (UT)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

  • By elaboration and defense of their Master's thesis, students demonstrate their skills, abilities and knowledge required by the graduate profile.
  • By elaboration and defense of their Master's thesis, students demonstrate their readiness to enter the practice and and the following levels of their professional training, namely attaining the Czech Chamber of Architects certification.
  • By elaboration and defense of their Master's thesis, students demonstrate their ability to independently design architectural and operational building solutions for a whole range of requirements on operation, structure and/or urban design.
  • By elaboration and defense of their Master's thesis, students demonstrate their ability to apply all legal requirements and standards on the architectural/urban design.
  • By elaboration and defense of their Master's thesis, students demonstrate the ability to give adequate theoretical explanation of their proposal.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The basic method is studio which emphasizes the long-term individual work of the students. Teaching is based on the method “learning by doing”, i.e. gaining knowledge and skills when applying them in practice. The integral part of teaching is presentation of the work at the architecture critiques, consultations and critical discussions with the supervisors and other experts. The complementary teaching methods depend on the assigned topic and might be excursions or workshops. The Master's thesis and the Elaboration of Master's Thesis Concept are led by the same supervisor (complying with the qualification requirements stipulated by the Rules of Programmes Implemented at BUT and the Standards of BUT Programmes).

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

To complete the course successfully, students must submit the complete project on time and in accordance with the assignment and the internal regulations The Rules of Study at FA.
The particular requirements are specified in the assignment of the Master's thesis which the students receive in written form. The Master's thesis usually comprises:
  • theoretical part
  • textual part
  • urban context
  • architectural and operational design
  • structural design
  • physical model
In M6 module it is acceptable to elaborate a theoretical thesis. The thesis requirements are specified by the internal standards of BUT.

Course curriculum

Semester block schedule:
  1. Analysis of a place and assignment, field trip, work on the concept, study of theoretical bases
  2. Development of architectural, operation and structural and/or urban design / concept of theoretical work
  3. Completion of the project, work on the presentation of the project or theoretical work

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to prepare the Master's project. By elaboration of the Master's project, students demonstrate the acquired skills, abilities and knowledge required by the graduate profile. Simultaneously, the Master's project adequately demonstrate student´s readiness to enter the architectural practice and the following levels of their professional training, namely attaining the Czech Chamber of Architects certification.

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

Mandatory participation at one consultation per week as specified by the supervisor and at the interim critiques. Mandatory submission of the project complying with the conditions specified in the assignment of the Master's thesis and meet the deadline (specified in the internal regulations The Rules of Study at FA).
Upon the agreement with the teacher, the absences in the classroom can be compensated via online participation.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Basic literature

Česká architektura (ediční řada). Praha: Prostor. (CS)
NEUFERT, Ernst a Peter NEUFERT. Navrhování staveb: zásady, normy, předpisy o zařízeních, stavbě, vybavení, nárocích na prostor, prostorových vztazích, rozměrech budov, prostorech, vybavení, přístrojích z hlediska člověka jako měřítka a cíle. 2. české vyd., (35. něm. vyd.). Praha: Consultinvest, 2000, 618 s. : il., plány. ISBN 80-901486-6-2. (CS)
NORBERG-SCHULZ, Christian, Petr KRATOCHVÍL a Pavel HALÍK. Genius loci: krajina, místo, architektura. 2. vyd. Praha: Dokořán, 2010, 219 s. : il., mapy, plány ; 25 cm. ISBN 978-80-7363-303-5. (CS)
SCHLAFFEROVÁ, Hannelore. City: Život v ulicích plánovaného města. Zlín: Archa, 2017. ISBN 978-80-87545-48-5. (CS)
TICHÁ, Jana, Rostislav ŠVÁCHA a Milena SRŠŇOVÁ (eds.). Euroamerické architektonické myšlení 1936-2011. Praha: Zlatý řez, 2018. ISBN 978-80-88033-03-5. (CS)
Vyhláška č. 268/2009 Sb. o technických požadavcích na stavby. (CS)
Vyhláška č. 398/2009 Sb. o obecných technických požadavcích zabezpečujících bezbariérové užívání staveb (CS)
Vyhláška č. 501/2006 Sb. o obecných požadavcích na využívání území. (CS)
Zlatý řez (časopis). Praha: Zlatý řez. ISSN 1210-4760. (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

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

Type of course unit

 

Studio work

104 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing.arch. MArch Jan Kristek, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. arch. Monika Mitášová, Ph.D.