Théorie de l'architecture IV [ LARCT2103 ]

The valuation is based on the ability of the student to use his knowledge acquired during the lecture to answer a synthetic question and to proceed to an analysis of documents (written work + oral synthesis). Valuation out of session.

The lecture privileges a comparative method. From a historical inventory (end of CIAM - creation of Team X), it proceeds by confrontation of works and writings in order to emphasize the coexistence of divergent tendencies and intellectual postures contrasted within the studied period (1950-2000).The approach of diversity and complexity (doctrines, theories, critical engagement, values and ethic) aim to get the student used to the expression of an intellectual debate in the architectural field as well as his inscription in a larger cultural field (contemporary arts in particular).

The lecture is particularly based on a selection of works and writngs which have made a mark in the architectural thought of the second half of the XXth century : from Louis Kahn to Aldo Rossi and from Robert Venturi to Rem Koolhaas.

The activity is given in presence (no e-learning).

The lecture is focused on the presentation and analysis of writings of contemporary architects and architectural works (realised projects or not realised) which have marked the second half of the XXth century (and which we can measure the spheres  of influence and the critical fortune).

It is conceived in support of historical texts and the theory of architecture (not exclusively focused on the XXth century). By developing acquired knowledge of the third year course (theory - modern architecture), it is question to show by a crossed analysis (writing / projects),that the architectural conception is constantly fed by a theoretical reflexion by a re-reading - often critical - of the history of architecture.

General bibliography

• Kenneth Frampton, L'architecture moderne. Une histoire critique, Ph. Sers, 1985
• William J.R. Curtis, L'architecture moderne depuis 1900, Phaidon, 2004
• Jacques Lucan, Composition, non-composition. Architecture et théories, XIXe ' XXe siècles, Presses polytechniques et universitaires romandes, 2009
• Giovanni Fanelli et Roberto Gargiani, Histoire de l'architecture moderne. Structure et revêtement, Presses polytechniques et universitaires romandes, 2008.

Compilation of chosen texts(lectures support) excerpt from

L. Kahn (Silence et lumière ; conférences et entretiens), R. Venturi (De l'ambiguïté en architecture), R. Venturi, D. Scott Brown, S. Izenour (L'enseignement de Las Vegas), R. Koolhaas (New York Délire ; S.M.L.XL.), Aldo Rossi (L'architecture de la ville, Autobiographie scientifique), V. Gregotti (Le territoire de l'architecture), A. Siza (Une question de mesure, entretiens), A. Branzi (No-Stop City ' Archizoom Associati)