Course detail

Chapters from the Theory of Architecture

FA-KTA-TAcad. year: 2026/2027

Outline of selected fundamental theoretical concepts of architecture from the ancient roots to the representatives of Renaissance and Baroque approach, to the theories of the 19th century, and the contemporary analysis of the architectural language. In the study programme “Architecture and Urban Design” the course is part of the theoretical courses.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. PhDr. Martin Horáček, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Monument Care (UPP)

Entry knowledge

Basics of architectural history and discourse.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

A graded credit will be awarded on condition that the student prepares and delivers a presentation on a chosen architectural theorist or critic and their academic text. Students choose the text and the author themselves, or following consultation with the course coordinator. The presentation must consist of at least 40 slides. 

Aims

The aim of the course is to familiarise students with the key concepts of architectural theory, to examine their current relevance, and to develop their ability to apply theoretical and historiographical knowledge in design, as well as to reflect on their designs from a theoretical perspective.

Students will become familiar with key figures and concepts in the theoretical discourse on architecture.

Students will understand how architectural theory is situated within a network of related professional discourses.

Students will use their knowledge of key concepts in architectural theory to gain a more precise conceptual understanding of their own creative work.

Students will develop their ability to reflect upon and interpret architectural work verbally.

Study aids

Christopher Alexander, The Nature of Order I: The Phenomenon of Life, Berkeley 2002.

Léon Krier, The Architecture of Community, Princeton 2011.

Hanno-Walter Kruft, History of Architectural Theory, Princeton 1996.

Jan Michl, www.janmichl.com

Nikos A. Salingaros, Unified Architectural Theory: Form, Language, Complexity, Kathmandu 2013.

Geoffrey Scott, The Architecture of Humanism, New York 1974.

Patrick Schumacher, The Autopoiesis of Architecture, Hoboken 2011.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

ALBERTI, Leon Battista. Deset knih o stavitelství. Praha: SNKLHU, 1956. (CS)
KRUFT, Hanno-Walter. Dejiny teórie architektúry. Bratislava: Pallas, 1993. ISBN 80-7095-009-9. (SK)
PALLADIO, Andrea. Čtyři knihy o architektuře. Praha: SNKLHU, 1958. (CS)
SALINGAROS, Nikos A. Sjednocená teorie architektury: Forma, jazyk, komplexita. Brno: VUTIUM - BP Publishing, 2017. ISBN 978-80-7485-138-4. (CS)
VITRUVIUS POLLIO, Marcus. Deset knih o architektuře. Praha: Baset, 2001. ISBN 80-86410-23-4. (CS)

Recommended reading

ALEXANDER, Christopher. The Nature of Order I. The Phenomenon of Life. Berkeley: The Center for Environmental Structure, 2002. ISBN 978-0-9726529-1-9. (EN)
ALEXANDER, Christopher. The Nature of Order II. The Process of Creating Life. Berkeley: The Center for Environmental Structure, 2002. ISBN 0-9726529-2-2. (EN)
EISENMAN/KRIER, Two Ideologies. New York: The Monacelli Press, 2005. ISBN 978-1580931397. (EN)
KREUL, Andreas. Johann Berhnard Fischer von Erlach: Regie der Relation. Salzburg - München: Anton Pustet, 2006. ISBN 978-3-7025-0534-9. (DE)
MALLGRAVE, Harry Francis. Gottfried Semper: Architect of the Nineteenth Century. New Haven - London: Yale University Press, 1996. ISBN 978-0300066241. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B_A+U Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    specialization --- (do 2022) , 3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    specialization --- (do 2022) , 4 year of study, winter semester, elective
  • Programme N_A+U Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, elective
    2 year of study, winter semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Seminar

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. PhDr. Martin Horáček, Ph.D.