Course detail

Language of Architecture

FA-DA1Acad. year: 2027/2028

Students are trained in the analysis of architecture as a non-verbal language. 

Language of instruction

Czech

Assignment to study programme types

Doctoral

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. PhDr. Martin Horáček, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Theory (UT)

Entry knowledge

Course D03 Theory of Architecture.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The final output consists of a written and drawn analysis of the form language and the pattern language of a selected site or architect’s work, comprising at least 5 standard pages of text + 10 drawings + a presentation with a poster. The results are assessed together for both the submitted seminar paper and the oral presentation.
Progress is monitored through ongoing consultations.

Aims

An exercise in the implementation of architectural theory into the architectural design. Students are trained in the analysis of architectural language with their specific grammar and vocabulary, as well as in their mutual comparation, and individual further emulation.

Study aids

Christopher Alexander et al., A Pattern Language, New York 1977.

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

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

John Summerson, The Classical Language of Architecture, Cambridge, MA, 1966.

Dhiru A. Thadani, The Language of Towns and Cities: A Visual Dictionary, New York 2010.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Basic literature

SALINGAROS, N. et al. Unified Architectural Theory: Form, Language, Complexity. Kathmandu: Vajra Press 2013 (česky 2017, ed. HORÁČEK, M.) (CS)

Recommended reading

ALEXANDER, C. et al. A Pattern Language. New York: Oxford University Press 1977. (CS)
HEROUT, J. Staletí kolem nás. Praha: Panorama 1981. (CS)
KOCH, W. Evropská architektura. Praha: Universum 2012. (CS)
OLIVER, P. ed. Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World I–III. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1997. (CS)
VAŘEKA, J. – FROLEC, V. Lidová architektura: Encyklopedie. Praha: Grada 2007. (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme ARCHURB Doctoral

    specialization ARCH , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    specialization URBAN , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective

  • Programme ARCHURB Doctoral

    specialization ARCH , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    specialization URBAN , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

4 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. PhDr. Martin Horáček, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Introduction - Assignment - Consultations - Presentation of the finished work

Guided consultation

2 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. PhDr. Martin Horáček, Ph.D.

Seminar

6 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. PhDr. Martin Horáček, Ph.D.