Architectural theory : introduction

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Specific learning outcomes:

By the end of this first teaching unit on theory, students are able to

• recognise the multi-dimensional nature of architecture and to place it in a material, social and cultural context.
• make use of concepts from architecture such as space, place, light, measurement and order.
• critically read, represent and analyse architectural projects (as a first step).
• link and critically assess architectural expressions, definitions and theories of architecture (as a first step).
• organise and classify conceptions of the world and built constructions in different situations and on different scales (as a first step).
• adopt a committed and considered approach to the procedures involved in a project by formulating a critical and sensitive assessment appropriate to the particular environments, uses  and points of view (as a first step).

Contribution to the learning outcome reference framework:

Build knowledge of architecture

• Be familiar with and analyse the basic references
• Be able to use given references which, by analogy, can lead to other interpretations of the context
• Develop and make use of knowledge in the discipline

Place the action

• Recognise, observe and describe the targeted environments and contexts
• Analyse the environments and contexts according to various given methods and starting from various identified points of view

Use the technical dimension

• Observe and assess the main construction principles of a building

Express an architectural procedure

• Express ideas clearly in oral, graphic and written form