Course detail

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

FA-DP6-AAcad. year: 2025/2026

The thesis focuses on an individual assignment in the field of research, criticism, and/or theory of architecture. Thesis usually does not include an architectural design project. If the thesis contains architectural designs, these may be preliminary, exploratory, or tested variants related to the researced topic.

The thesis usually covers the following or related areas:

1/ The state of research (published literature on the topic, studied architectural works on the topic, etc.)

2/ Formulation of the problem (research questions, hypothesis)

3/ Selected procedures and methods of research/criticism/theoretical examination

4/ Testing and verification of research questions (selected procedures and methods: archival research, in situ research, oral history, analysis, comparison, interpretation, etc.)

5/ Interpretation of results

6/ Conclusions: contribution to the state of knowledge

7/ Appendices

The thesis requires a critical study of literature and/or selected architectural/urban projects. The module allows for a wide range of text and image outputs: a standard thesis (65NS of text + appendices), a book, an exhibition + exhibition catalog, a video/film + script, etc. In addition to image appendices, the thesis may also include physical and virtual models.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

30

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

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

Department

Department of Theory (UT)

Entry knowledge

Not applicable.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

To complete the course successfully, students must submit the complete project on time and in accordance with the assignment and the internal regulations The Rules of Study at FA.
The particular requirements are specified in the assignment of the Master's thesis which the students receive in written form.

In M6 module it is acceptable to elaborate a theoretical thesis. The thesis requirements are specified by the internal standards of BUT.
Mandatory participation at one consultation per week as specified by the supervisor and at the interim critiques. Mandatory submission of the project complying with the conditions specified in the assignment of the Master's thesis and meet the deadline (specified in the thesis assignment).
Upon the agreement with the teacher, the absences in the classroom can be compensated via online participation.

Aims

The aim of the course is to prepare the Master's project. By elaboration of the Master's project, students demonstrate the acquired skills, abilities and knowledge required by the graduate profile. Simultaneously, the Master's project adequately demonstrate student´s readiness to enter the architectural practice and the following levels of their professional training, namely attaining the Czech Chamber of Architects certification.

  • By elaboration and defense of their Master's thesis, students demonstrate their skills, abilities and knowledge required by the graduate profile.
  • By elaboration and defense of their Master's thesis, students demonstrate their readiness to enter the practice and and the following levels of their professional training, namely attaining the Czech Chamber of Architects certification.
  • By writing and defending a thesis, students demonstrate their ability to independently carry out a research, critical, and/or theoretical project.
  • By elaboration and defense of their Master's thesis, students demonstrate their ability to apply all legal requirements and standards on the architectural/urban design.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Basic literature

HAYS, Michael (Ed.) Architecture Theory Since 1968. Cambridge - MA: MIT Press, 1998. ISBN 978-0262581882. (EN)
HORÁKOVÁ, Tereza, ŠENKOVÁ, Adéla (eds.). Od architektury k interpretaci. Brno: Books&Pipes: Masarykova univerzita, 2024, 281 s. ISBN: 978-80-7485-305-0. (CS)
JOHNSON, Paul-Alan. The Theory of Architecture: Concepts Themes & Practices. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold/John Wiley, 1994, 512 p. ISBN: 978-0-471-28533-5. (EN)
KRATOCHVÍL, Petr (ed.). O smyslu a interpretaci architektury. Praha: Fa ČVUT, 2005, 191 s. ISBN: 80-86863-04-2. (CS)
MALLGRAVE, Harry Francis. Architectural Theory: Volume I – An Anthology from Vitruvius to 1870. Oxford UK: Blackwell Publishing, 2006. ISBN 978-1405102582. (EN)
TICHÁ, Jana, Rostislav ŠVÁCHA a Milena SRŠŇOVÁ (eds.). Euroamerické architektonické myšlení 1936-2011. Praha: Zlatý řez, 2018. ISBN 978-80-88033-03-5. (CS)
ZERVAN, Marian, MITÁŠOVÁ, Monika (eds.). Umelecký výskum v diskusii. Bratislava: VŠVU, 2025. ISBN 978-80-8189-080-2. (SK)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N_A+U Master's 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    specialization --- (do 2022) , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Studio work

104 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. arch. Jan Hora
Ing.arch. MArch Jan Kristek, Ph.D.
Ing. arch. Georgi Dimitrov