Course detail

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

FA-MA6-AAcad. year: 2022/2023

In this course, students work on their project which formulates and specifies the assignment of their Master's thesis in terms of assigned locality or problem. It is, for example, development of extensive analyses, strategical studies or experimental projects. This Master's thesis concept is not part of the 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.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

15

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

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

Department

Department of Theory (UT)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Not applicable.

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). It is acceptable to elaborate the Master´s thesis concept in groups

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

To complete the course successfully, students must submit the complete project on time. The required content and extend of the work reflects the assigned topic and is defined by the supervisor at the beginning of the semester.

The grading scale is given in Article 14 of the Study and Examination Rules of BUT. The recommended grading scale is the following:
  • A: excellent design showing personal contribution, all aspects and components of the project are excellent
  • B: very good design, or excellent design with partial deficiencies
  • C: good design, technically correct
  • D: technically correct design with partial deficiencies
  • E: sufficiently developed design, with all assigned tasks completed, it complies with the legal requirements (standards)
The works which do not meet the minimal requirements (specified as E) are graded failed (grade F).

The supervisor is authorized to require parallel or preceding participation in relevant selective courses.

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 elaborate the Master´s thesis concept.

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

Students must attend one consultation per week as specified by their supervisor, and the interim design critiques. Students must submit the project that meets the requirements further specified by the supervisor at the beginning of the semester.
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

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.
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.
TICHÁ, Jana, Rostislav ŠVÁCHA a Milena SRŠŇOVÁ (eds.). Euroamerické architektonické myšlení 1936-2011. Praha: Zlatý řez, 2018. ISBN 978-80-88033-03-5.
SCHLAFFEROVÁ, Hannelore. City: Život v ulicích plánovaného města. Zlín: Archa, 2017. ISBN 978-80-87545-48-5.
Zlatý řez (časopis). Praha: Zlatý řez. ISSN 1210-4760.
Česká architektura (ediční řada). Praha: Prostor.
Vyhláška č. 268/2009 Sb. o technických požadavcích na stavby.
Vyhláška č. 501/2006 Sb. o obecných požadavcích na využívání území.
Vyhláška č. 398/2009 Sb. o obecných technických požadavcích zabezpečujících bezbariérové užívání staveb

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

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

Type of course unit

 

Studio work

104 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

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