Course detail
Interpretation of Architecture 1
FA-IA1-TAcad. year: 2022/2023
The aim of this course is to gain knowledge of scientific interpretation of architecture using the close reading method. Theoretical and practical experience with interpreting architectural work using this method on the basis of lectures, seminars, consultations and individual study of architectural works and literature.
In the study programme “Architecture and Urban Design” the course is part of the theoretical courses.
Language of instruction
Number of ECTS credits
Mode of study
Department
Learning outcomes of the course unit
Prerequisites
Co-requisites
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes
Course curriculum
I. Introduction: Scientific interpretation of architectural work: method of critical close reading of architecture of the 20th century, as it was formulated by Peter Eisenman in the books „Giuseppe Terragni – Transformations, Decompositions, Critiques“ and „Ten Canonical Buildings“
Examples 1–2: Giuseppe Terragni: Casa del Fascio / Profiles of text: Luigi Moretti, Casa „Il Girasole“, 1947–1950. Assignment
II. Examples 3–4: The Umbrella Diagram: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Farnsworth House, 1946–1951 / Textual heresies: Le Corbusier, Palais des Congrès-Strasbourg, 1962–1964. Questions, discussion, and consultations of assignments
III. Examples 5–6: From plaid grid to diachronic space: Louis I. Kahn, Adler House and DeVore House, 1954–1955 / The nine-square diagram and its contradictions: Robert Venturi, Vanna Venturi House, 1959–1964. Questions, discussion, and consultations of assignments
IV. Examples 7–8: Material inversions: James Stirling, Leicester Engineering Building, 1959–1963 / Texts of analogy: Aldo Rossi, Cemetery of San Cataldo, 1971–1978. Questions, discussion, and consultations of assignments
V. Examples 9–10: Strategies of the void: Rem Koolhaas, Jussieu Libraries, 1992–1993 / The deconstruction of the axis: Daniel Libeskind, Jewish Museum, 1989–1999. Questions, discussion, and consultations of assignments
VI. Examples 11–13: The soft umbrella diagram: Frank O. Gehry, Peter B. Lewis Building, 1997–2002. Presentation of student interpretations. Discussion and evaluation
Work placements
Aims
Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences
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
Prerequisites and corequisites
Basic literature
MITÁŠOVÁ, Monika (ed.): Oxymorón a Pleonasmus. Texty kritické a projektivní architektury. Praha: Zlatý řez, 2011. (CS)
MITÁŠOVÁ, Monika: Interpretačné situácie: Interpretácia a metainterpretácia súčasnej architektúry. Praha: FA ČVUT, 2018. (CS)
ZERVAN, Marian – MITÁŠOVÁ, Monika: Za a proti interpretácii. In: Interpretačné metódy v architektúre (učební texty). Dostupné na: http://filozofia.truni.sk/userdata/publications/zervan_mitasova_interpretation_ukazka.pdf (CS)
Recommended reading
Classification of course in study plans