HTC

ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY II HTC

MODERNISM AND CONTEMPORARY TOPICS

WRITING ON ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPES AND CITIES HTC

Lecture BArch2 August Sarnitz AU_1.16 Wed 13.30–15.30

The following position is to be discussed: Architecture is a semi-autonomous discipline aiming to design and enhance our built environment. The term “semi-autonomous” reflects the different parameters on which the production of architecture depends, e.g. cultural, socio-economic and technological aspects. In addition, there will be a historical and theoretical discourse on aspects of historiography. The aim of the course is to promote a profound understanding of relevant background history as an introduction to modern and contemporary architecture.

Seminar BArch4 August Sarnitz

The question of “notation” is of great relevance in teaching history and theory of architecture: In a rapidly changing environment, where the pace of modernization never decelerates, historical studies are of crucial importance to the architect in that they enable a broader sense of cultural judgment about one’s own time.

This seminar addresses the classic themes of architecture and urbanism in the 20th century. After reading authentic texts, different AU_1.16 Wed 15.15–16.45

positions of early modernism, classical modernism, postmodernism and other “isms” will be discussed.

Some seminar sessions will revolve around a selection of texts and books or will be concerned with the production of exhibitions. Readings include, among others, Camillo Sitte, Georg Simmel, Erich Mendelsohn, Lewis Mumford, Kenneth Frampton and Peter Eisenman. The aim is to present various positions on “notations” of architecture as a basis for an interdisciplinary discussion.

HISTORIES AND THEORIES OF CITIES HTC

Lecture BArch6 Angelika Schnell AU_1.15A Fri 10.00–11.30

Starting chronologically with prehistoric and ancient cities, the lecture will give both an overview of the history of cities and of the history of theories of cities up to the present day.

In an alternating rhythm, the lecture will explain the historical, social and built reality of cities by means of selected examples and the theories that have determined or used them. The lecture discusses not only standard theories by architects and urban historians such as Leonardo Benevolo, Lewis Mumford and Ernst Egli, which describe the structural development of cities, but also theories and narratives that are based on their social, political, economic and narrative aspects. The lecture aims to show that theories of cities (even architectural theories of cities) always imply a political vision of society.

The aim is to foster a basic knowledge of the historical development of cities; furthermore, to understand what theories of cities are and to raise awareness of the theories of the society we live in, promoting an understanding that ultimately enables us to challenge the theories of architecture.

CONTEMPORARY DEBATES ON ARCHITECTURAL THEORY HTC

THESIS SEMINAR HTC

THESIS DOCUMENTATION ALL PLATFORMS

Seminar MArch2 Andreas Rumpfhuber

Performing Fiction, Performing Architecture

The aim of Performing Fiction, Performing Architecture is to theoretically explore architect performance in public discourse.

In this seminar, we will understand architect performance literally as the speech acts (Butler: 1997, 2004) of architects in public discourse. In doing so, we will focus on the figure of the architect and their interaction with the public. The semAU_1.16 Block

inar intends to analyse a practice of architect performance, challenging the traditional, authoritative speech acts of architects and their current status in public debate.

The seminar will proceed by mapping as well as critically and theoretically reflecting on architect performance in public. Together with external experts from the performative arts, the aim will be to develop experimental performative formats.

Seminar MArch3 Christina Condak AU_1.16 Fri 11.30–13.00

The Thesis Seminar offers seminars and guidance for independent student research, which should result in the comprehensive development of a thesis proposal. The course provides general instruction in the definition, programming and development of a thesis project. Students will prepare their thesis proposals by specifically defining a question, developing a working knowledge of related research in that field, and producing an architectural hypothesis. The collected work of the seminar will provide the necessary materials for the subsequent semester’s design experimentation, testing, critical appraisal of the hypothesis and eventual thesis project. The thesis argument will ultimately couple the specific resolution of an architectural proposition with the response to a larger question within architectural discourse.

Seminar MArch4 Christina Condak AU_1.16 Mon 14.00–15.30

The course focuses on the representation and documentation of the thesis project. It challenges the students to develop their theses through a continuous process of oral articulation, writing, drawing and documenting, and enables them to formulate and structure their proposals. As the final synthesis of the graduation project, students submit their thesis documentation in the form of a book putting forward their thesis. It presents their hypotheses and methodology, includes research materials, the process of production and documentation of the final thesis project.