History of Architecture

Lecturer:

Dr.-Ing. Elke Richter

Timing:

Monday, week (A/B), 13:45 - 15:15, 1. meeting: 14.10.2019
Building LG 2A, R 0.25.1
Whole day exercises will probably take place in November. Dates will be announced.

Study Program:

module 11377  (Nr. 620106)
World Heritage Studies / M.A.

Content:

Architectural history is as complex as its object. The design of a building reflects cultural, social and political surrounding as much as its function, economic aspects and the conditions of its proper site. Especially for a beginner in architectural history, it is hard to understand the interrelations between e.g. design process, construction schemes, basic needs, typological considerations and formal frameworks. Being aware of these interrelations is essential to estimate the multitude of aspects of the historical development or significance - be it a single edifice or an urban context. The module therefore attempts to develop a basic understanding of these interrelations on the basis of different layers of understanding:  

- architectural presentation
- building type & building task
- Architectural forms, their description and style discussions
- urban context
- architectural documentation
- Building´s hard structure and realization
- Building´s soft structure
- Development and significance of a building
- planning process and its stakeholders

The theoretical input will be accompanied by the successive analysis of different case studies: the allegedly well-known Neues Museum at Berlin and the still almost unkown Campus buildings at the BTU.
Several minor exercises and a larger field-exercise at Cottbus will show on a basic level how to analyse and how to document a building, at the same time preparing the participants for the final exam.