AA2HTC-History and Theory of Architecture: Buildings and Places

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Stephen Gage
Email: s.g.gage@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module is the second in a series of modules which relate to the history and theory of architecture, to be provided over three years within the Architecture programme. It is closely related to other modules including second year design modules.

Modules will explore how different civilisations/societies responded to a changing physical, socio-political, legal, cultural, technological, industrial and economic context.

The scale of examples considered in this second year module will generally be at a local level $£ at the scale of buildings, groups of buildings, neighborhoods and communities, to align within the scale of projects undertaken by students in the second year design studio module.

Aims:
The aim of this module is to develop students' understanding of architectural history and theory.
An important part of this aim is to critically evaluate the role of the architect and his/her interaction with relevant communities and other stakeholders.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will be able to describe and evaluate:

1. The cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings; GC 2.1


2. The influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture; GC 2.2


3. How design theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design; GC 3.1


4. The creative application of the finearts and their relevance and impact on architecture; GC 3.2


5. Students will also have gained an understanding of the application of appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design projects, in terms of their conceptualisation and representation; GC 3.3 and GC 2.3


6. Students will have ability to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions in order to make and present sound judgements within a structured discourse relating to architectural culture, theory and design; GA 1.4

Students will also be able to demonstrate:

7. Development of their analytical skills and critical thinking as well as their ability to structure extended pieces of written work and portfolio submissions


8. Students will have developed an insight into relationships between people, buildings and spaces and their understanding of urban design issues.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The module is structured around several topic areas:

1. Architecture and contemporary ideas


2. Architecture and society


3. Architecture and the city – The birth of public spaces; the agora, the loggia and the piazza; identify and place from the Antiquity via the Renaissance to contemporary sense of public realm;


4. The changing role of the architect through the centuries: from the guilds to the avant-garde and from there to the social entrepreneur;


5. Interactions between architectural firms/organisations and communities


6. Students will be asked to develop case studies and to develop pieces of critical writing that respond to a range of topics

Global context:
The module will involve consideration of examples from around the world, helping students to build an understanding of local issues arising in a variety of climates and societies.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be delivered via lectures, seminar discussions with guest lecturers, and in supervised studio sessions. There will be a set of invited external contributors to introduce through lectures and seminars a range of topics relevant to themes associated with architecture culture and theory.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10
Seminars	5	5
Project Supervision	10	10
Supervised time in studio/workshop	20	20
External visits	15	15
Guided independent study:	40	40
Total hours by term	100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 2500-word essay.

Formative assessment methods:
This module will include formative assessment related to written assignments including interim feedback provided as work for formal assessment is developed.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment will be by coursework to be completed by August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:

2) Specialist equipment or materials:

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) Printing and binding:

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 30 March 2023