Course detail

Specialized Studio B6 – Research, Theory and Criticism

FA-SB6-AEAcad. year: 2022/2023

In this course students elaborate a one semester project and develop their knowledge gained in the previous bachelor study program on a selected topic.
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

English

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 fundamental method of teaching is the design studio which accentuates the long-term individual work of students. The course is based on the method “teaching by doing”, i.e. gaining of knowledge and skills when applying them in the practice. The significant part of the course is the presentation of the design at the design critiques, consultations and critical discussion with the supervisor and other specialists. Depending on the topic, the complementary methods could be field trips or workshops. It is admissible to work on the design studio project 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 course develops the students´ knowledge and skills needed to create a quality architectural and urban design in their future independent work as an architect.

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

Students must attend one consultation a week at the times specified by their supervisor and the in-semester design critiques. Students must submit a design project that meets the requirements specified by the supervisor at the beginning of the semester.
The design project must be submitted by the deadline specified by the directive The rules of study at FA, and any changes must be stated before the students register.
In the case of a student's apology and with approval of the supervisor, personal participation may be substituted with online participation in the studio.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

NEUFERT, Ernst. Architects' Data. John Wiley & Sons, 2019. ISBN: 9781119284352. (EN)
NORBERG-SCHULZ, Christian. Genius loci. ELECTA ED., 1979. (EN)
PHAIDON, eds. The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture. Phaidon Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780714843124. (EN)
ARCHITIZER. The World's Best Architecture. Phaidon Press, 2020. ISBN: 978-1838660666. (EN)
COOK, Peter; SPILLER, Neil; ALLEN, Laura; RAWES, Peg, eds. The Paradox of Contemporary Architecture. Wiley, 2001. ISBN: 9780471496854. (EN)
Česká architektura – Czech Architecture (series). Prague: Prostor, 1999-today. (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

 

Studio work

104 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

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