Architectural History and Theory 2 - ARCH1221

The course is concerned with the history of Western architecture. A tradition in design, extending from antiquity to the nineteenth century, is studied. Pre-Enlightenment classical buildings and treatises are examined, as well as their subsequent survival and critique in later periods. The nineteenth century is significant, as emerging aesthetic ideas and technologies stimulated the production of novel buildings, such as the Crystal Palace. Lectures will consider the classical architectural principles of order, symmetry, proportion, composition, economy and decorum. Discussions of these highlight a range of specific topics. They vary from the site to ornament, and include anthropomorphism, empathy and memory. Rather than presenting an architectural survey of historical styles, lectures explore issues by focussing on particular architects and writers. Such an approach is essential to an additional facet of the course, which is to address current beliefs and achievements. Assumptions about technological progress and the division of labour are scrutinised, as they have prevented the exploration of more substantial relationships between the human being and architecture. Material is presented in two-hour lectures, supplemented by tutorials. The latter provides an opportunity to analyse renowned texts in architectural history and theory.