Course detail

Interpretation of Architecture 2

FA-IA2-TEAcad. year: 2022/2023

The aim of this course is to gain knowledge about the basic questions of interpretation of architecture, about selected types of interpretation and interpretation methods, as well as about non-methodical interpretation of architecture. The theoretical and practical experience in interpreting architectural works based on the collective lectures, seminars and consultations, and individual study of architectural work and literature.
In the study programmes “Architecture and Urban Design” the course is part of the theoretical courses.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

3

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

Regularly consulted and presented interpretation of architectural work by the method of close reading in the form of text (essay, article, study) or text and visual work (lecture, installation, exhibition).

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Evaluation is based on the active participation at lectures and seminars, regular consultations, and final presentation of interpretative text (essay, article, study) or text and visual work (lecture, installation, exhibition).

Course curriculum

Semester block schedule:
  1. Introduction. Scientific interpretation of architectural works: method of critical close reading of the architecture of the 20th century, as it was formulated by Peter Eisenman in the books „Giuseppe Terragni – Trasformations, Decompositions, Critiques“ and „Ten Canonical Buildings“.
    Example 1–2: Giuseppe Terragni: Casa del Fascio / Profiles of texts: Luigi Moretti, Casa „Il Girasole“, 1947–1950. Assignment
  2. Scientific interpretation of architecture by the comparative critical analysis method built forms by Kenneth Frampton. The relationship of Frampton's interpretation methods to his „A Critical History of Architecture in 20th century“. Questions, discussion and consultation of assignment
  3. Scientific interpretation of architecture by „phenomenological“ method of Christian Norberg-Schulze. The relationship to his books „Intention in architecture“ and „Space, existence, architecture“
  4. Pre-scientific interpretation of architecture on the point between non-methodological and methodological approach of Michael Hays. The relationship to his study „Critical Architecture. Between Culture and Form“, and the book „Architecture Theory since 1989 “. Questions, discussion and consultation of assignment
  5. Pre-scientific interpretation of architecture outside the method: Beatriz Colomina and her critical interpretation of Loos's villas and the E.1027 villa from the architect Eileen Gray. The relationship between Colomina's critical interpretation to her book „Privacy and Publicity“ (1994) and to the discussion about sexuality and gender. A polemic against Joan Ockman and Mary McLeod
  6. Non-scientific, artistic/architectural interpretation of E.1027 Villa by Eileen Gray and Jean Badovici. Scientific (historiographic) re-interpretation of American architect and historian Caroline Constant
  7. Presentation of students' interpretations. Discussion and evaluation

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

To gain the knowledge about the basic questions of interpretation of architecture, about selected types of interpretation and interpretation methods, as well as about non-methodical interpretation of architecture. The theoretical and practical experience in interpreting architectural works based on the collective lectures, seminars and consultations, and individual study of architectural work and literature.

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

Active participation, regular consultations, presentation of interpretation and evaluation. Missed classes will be compensated on another agreed with the students.
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

Not applicable.

Basic literature

FRAMPTON, Kenneth; ASHLEY, Simone (Ed.). A Genealogy of Modern Architecture. A Comparative Critical Analysis of Built Form. Zürich: Lars Müller Publishers, 2015. ISBN 978-3037783696. (EN)
NORBERG-SCHULZ, Christian. Intentions in Architecture. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1968. ISBN ‎ 978-0262640022. (EN)
HAYS, Michael (Ed.). Architecture Theory since 1969. New York: Columbia School of Architecture and Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1998. ISBN 978-0262581882. (EN)
CONSTANT, Caroline. Eileen Gray. London: Phaidon, 2000. ISBN 978-0714839059. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme NE_A+U Master's, 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Seminar

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

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