702-131 European Architecture A

A study of some formative aspects of Near Eastern and European architecture and urbanism from ancient origins to the late Middle Ages. 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 is explored, by establishing an overall cultural framework within which an individual building or place can be located and assessed; and by 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.

On completion of the subject students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the history of architecture, building, landscape architecture and urban planning from Ancient to Medieval times.

• Be familiar with the framework within which the emergent European tradition of design of the built environment can be understood.

• Integrate and utilise concepts such as architectural language and represented structure, which are useful in the analysis of architecture.

• Analyse buildings and places in terms of their context, form, planning, spatial effects, construction, function and social role.

On completion of the subject students should have developed the following skills and capabilities:

• Information gathering and critical synthesis.

• Use and citation of sources.

• Essay and report writing.

• Visual and oral presentation techniques.

• Use of sketches to analyse source elements in the design of buildings.

An essay, class papers, exercises (drawn or written), equivalent to not more that 3000 words (50%); a visual test (15%), and a two-hour examination (35%).