Course detail

Basics of Architecture

FA-ZAR-AEAcad. year: 2025/2026

Students are working in the Fundamentals of Architecture (ZAR) in studios of their choice. The first seminar will present the structure and content of theoretical introductions to the issue of architecture and its designing. Subsequently, the studio tutors will present their topics of the assignment. Theoretical introductions will take place in blocks every 14 days. Between them, there is a self-study of the literature for the following theoretical introduction, as agreed with the lecturer. Joint critiques will take place approximately halfway through the semester. The combination of general introduction, particular design and their critical reflection will allow the students to formulate, design and revise their own assignment and process not only with their supervisor and the doctoral students, but also with the students from the same study year.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

12

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

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

Department

Department of Theory (UT)

Entry knowledge

Not applicable.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The design in form discussed with the studio tutor is evaluated (80 %). Participation at the critiques comprises 20 % of the evaluation. The design is submitted in paper/physical and digital form, and it contains:
  • A. poster/digital projection,
  • B. A3 folder/video/ digital file,
  • C. physical/virtual model.

Students are obliged to attend the theoretical introductions and consultation and critiques. The unexcused absence from the blocks in two weeks is accepted. The theoretical introductions nor critiques cannot be compensated, they could be only excused. The consultation can be compensated upon the arrangement with the supervisor of the work.
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.

Aims

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic elements, methods, phases and results of architectural designing in relation to the fundamentals of architectural thinking. Crucial is the link between: 1) general introduction, 2) specific assignment and its process/method, and 3) critiques which lead to the final design: its projection and reflection. The basic knowledge and skills that the architects/designers will acquire will be the ability to create, identify and mutually interconnect the general and specific components and methods of design via critical testing of the methods as well as the results of the design. After the individual work and consultation, the group critiques and the final presentation – defence of the design.
  • Students will acquire the first general terminology and design problems during the theoretical introduction.
  • Students will gain the ability and skills to test them in their first studio work, hence in their first specific design.
  • Students will familiarize themselves with the methods and results of creating their first small-scale design: brief, concept, design (programme, volume and space, structure, construction, and material).
  • In the process of group critiques, students will gain the ability to get a critical distance and reflection on their own design, the ability to verify and modify the state and method of designing.
  • Students will gain experience in working individually on the design, working in a small group, and also in a large (study year) group: they will gain awareness of the work of the previous generation, as well as of the generation they will study and work with.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

JENCKS, Charles. The Language of Post-Modern Architecture. New York: Rizzoli, 1977. ISBN 0-8478-0071-7. (EN)
SIMITCH, Andrea; WALKE, Var. The Language of Architecture. 26 Principles Every Architect Should Know. Beverly, MA: Rockport Publishers, 2014. ISBN 978-1-59253-858-4. (EN)
SUMMERSON, John. The Classical Language of Architecture. London: Thames and Hudson, 1963 (1980, 1996). ISBN 0-500-20177-3. (EN)
ZEVI, Bruno. The Modern Language of Architecture (The Anticlassical Language of Architecture).Canaberra: Australian National university Press, 1978. ISBN 0-7081-0885-7. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B_A+U Bachelor's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Seminar

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

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

Studio work

104 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

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