Course detail

Theory of Architecture 3

FA-TA3-TEAcad. year: 2026/2027

The course builds on the foundations established in Theory of Architecture 2. It focuses not only on the various topics addressed by architectural theory, but also on the different frameworks through which these topics can be understood. Recognizing the legitimacy of different frameworks requires students to be able to explain and defend their theoretical premises. This helps them understand architecture’s responsibility towards society and the environment, as well as the potential of every architect to contribute to and expand the body of knowledge within the discipline.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. arch. Nina Bartošová, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Theory (UT)

Entry knowledge

Not applicable.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The course is ended by a credit. It is required to submit an essay and its regular consultation/discussion (at least once a semester).
Active participation in the lessons. Consultation of the draft of the essay. Absences must be compensated by self-study. 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.

Aims

The aim of the course is to help students recognise the potential of architecture as a discipline, as well as the potential of individual architects, and to explore how this potential can be developed through critical thinking. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • identify and explain different frameworks for approaching topics related to architecture;
  • identify, within a given range of approaches, the framework underlying a particular text or a reasoned position taken by a selected architect;
  • critically assess the information they encounter;
  • discuss their own positions with regard to the framework that shapes them;
  • apply the above-mentioned skills in their own creative work in the studio.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Basic literature

EISENMAN, P., KOOLHAAS, R., KIPNIS, J. SOMOL, R., STEELE, B. Supercritical. AA Publications, 2007. ISBN: 978-1902902517. (EN)
KAHN, L. I., MERRILL, Michael. The importance of a drawing. Lars Müller Publishers, 2021. ISBN: 978-3037786444. (EN)
KAHN, L. I. Silence and Light. Park Books, 2013. ISBN: 978-3906027180. (EN)
SCOTT BROWN, D. Having words. AA Publications, 2009. ISBN: 978-1902902708. (EN)
SOLA-MORALES, I. de. Differences: Topographies of Contemporary Architecture. Writing Architecture, 1996. ISBN: 978-0262540858. (EN)
VENTURI, Robert. Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture. NY: The Museum of Modern Art, 1977. ISBN: 978-0870702822. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BE_A+U Bachelor's 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Seminar

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. arch. Nina Bartošová, Ph.D.