Course detail

Theory of architecture

FA-D03Acad. year: 2025/2026

Architectural theory as a science-based discipline with objective traits.

Language of instruction

Czech

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. PhDr. Martin Horáček, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Theory (UT)

Entry knowledge

Lectures on architectural history attended in the Bc and MA architectural training.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

A critical review (15 pages minimum) of an important theoretical essay + a presentation in the seminar followed by debate with other students. The essay might be accompanied with illustrations. The results are classified by a single mark reflecting the evaluation of both the seminar work and the oral presentation.
Seminars are obligatory. Lectures could be replaced with individual consultations and self-training according to an agreement with the tutor.

Aims

Students improve their ability of critical analysis and interpretation of architecture within a hierarchical system of knowledge as well as in relation to contemporary individual, social and ecological aspects.
Students improve their ability to enter and perform a theoretical discourse, as well as to present own critical attitude, to defend it, and to define its position within a relevant theoretical movement.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

KRUFT, H.-W., Dejiny teórie architektúry, Bratislava: Pallas 1993. (CS)

Recommended reading

ALEXANDER, C. The Nature of Order I–IV. Berkeley: The Center for Environmental Structure 2002–2005. (CS)
HARARI, Y. N., Homo Deus. London: Harvill Secker 2016. (CS)
HORÁČEK, M. Za krásnější svět: Tradicionalismus v architektuře 20. a 21. století / Toward a More Beautiful World: Traditionalism in Architecture of the 20th and 21st Centuries. Brno: Barrister & Principal – VUTIUM 2013. (CS)
MALLGRAVE, H. F. Architecture and Embodiment: The Implications of the New Sciences and Humanities to Design. New York: Routledge 2013. (CS)
MICHL, J. Funkcionalismus, design, škola, trh: Čtrnáct textů o problémech teorie a praxe moderního designu. Brno: Barrister & Principal 2012. (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme ARCHURB Doctoral

    specialization URBAN , 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization ARCH , 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

  • Programme ARCHURB Doctoral

    specialization URBAN , 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization ARCH , 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

12 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. PhDr. Martin Horáček, Ph.D.

Syllabus

The cycle of lectures is divided into four basic parts: Secession period 1895 - 1918; period of search for a new style in the first half of the twenties; heroic period of Brno functionalism in the late twenties and thirties; fading of functionalism after World War II.
The influence of the interwar period on the creative activity of contemporary Brno architects is continuously remembered.
Topics:
1. Scientific architectural theory.
2. Architecture and psychology, biology, mathematics, and physics.
3. Complexity in architecture.
4. Architectural language.
5. Tradition and inovation in architecture.
6. Architecture in the 21st century.

Guided consultation

2 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. PhDr. Martin Horáček, Ph.D.

Seminar

6 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. PhDr. Martin Horáček, Ph.D.