702-131 European Architecture A: Foundations of Western Design and Building

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Subject Description

A study of some formative aspects of Near Eastern and European architecture, landscape architecture and urbanism from ancient origins to the late-Middle Ages, and concurrent developments elsewhere in the world. Detailed studies of various periods within this broad spectrum are made, exploring issues of spatial organisation, construction, architectural theory, architectural grammar, and their physical, social and economic contexts. The European tradition in the design of the built environment, by establishing an overall cultural framework within which an individual building or place can be located and assessed; and the development of skills in information gathering and critical synthesis, essay and report writing, and visual and oral presentation techniques required for the independent interpretation of these insights.

Assessment

An essay, class papers, exercises (drawn or written), and a visual test, to the equivalent of not more than 5000 words, and one 90 minute examination (which may take the form of a class test).