Architecture and materiality

Teacher(s)

Wittevrongel Bernard;

Language

French

Main themes

This teaching course offers study and critical analysis of remarkable buildings from a viewpoint of material. It explores to what extent the material and its use in construction and in structures corresponds to the design idea of the architect. This is why the physical dimension is crossed by a theoretical dimension.
The topics are intended to cut across subjects, bringing together not only structure and construction, but theories of architecture and the history of the discipline, as well as contexts in society  - social, economic and cultural ' within which this architecture was able to come into being.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Specific learning outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to adopt a critical approach to architecture. link theory and practice. understand architectural design from the perspective of its physical dimension. Contribution to the learning outcomes reference framework: With regard to the learning outcomes reference framework of the Bachelor's degree in Architecture, this teaching unit contributes to the development, the acquisition and the assessment of the following learning outcomes: 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 Make use of other subjects Seek out other approaches, exchanges of views and ways of enhancing thinking about architecture Use the technical dimension Be familiar with and describe the main technical principles of building Observe and assess the main construction principles of a building Acquire an instinctive understanding of structures to use in producing a creative work of architecture

Content

The learning unit approaches architecture on a particular way from the 19th century till today. The material component of architecture is the central topic. It's a transversal approach that convokes the technical and conceptual dimension, as well as history and the production conditions of architecture.
The learning unit alternates theoretical approach and case studies, builds relationships and reveals similarities between architectures from different periods.
Structure of the course :

• Introduction
• Context of the architectural production of the 19th century
• Six particular approaches on architecture
  - Abstraction of materials
  - The truth of materials
  - Architecture and engineering
  - Architecture and dressing
   

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Lectures

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Written and drawing exam

Online resources

The slideshows and all of the documents are available on moodle.

Bibliography

• Kenneth Frampton: Studies in Tectonic Culture, MIT Press, Cambridge, London, 1996.
• Edward R. Ford: The details of modern architecture. MIT Press Cambridge London, 1994.
• Giovanni Fanelli et Roberto Gargiani: Histoire de l'architecture moderne. Structure et revêtement, presses polytechniques et universitaires romandes, Lausanne, 2008.

Faculty or entity

LOCI