ARCT10090 History & Theory of the Designed Environment I - Perspectives on Architecture

Academic Year 2020/2021

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the various ways of approaching and learning about the history and theory of the designed environment. It is intended to build a common knowledge base for future architects, designers, landscape architects, planners and others involved in the procurement and management of the designed physical environment. Notwithstanding this perspective, it is accessible to all. It is an introductory course that covers several perspectives on architectural, urban and landscape forms. The narrative embraces a number of themes that embody cultural contexts, the impact of science and technology, and the work of individual designers, architects and patrons within a predominately European context. This course also seeks to indicate the relationship to other material cultural artifacts and explore cultural exchanges beyond Europe. Central to the course is the development of an understanding of how traditions, images and ideas have been assimilated to create new forms that respond and adapt to new requirements.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Describe the physical form of significant buildings, settlements, cities and designed
landscapes in a predominately European context;
2. Analyse, through various approaches and perspectives, how buildings, settlements, cities and designed landscapes over this period responded to functional, aesthetic and structural criteria;
3. Discuss the way in which societies and cultures convey meaning through the artefacts of the designed
environment;
4. Reflect on how architecture, settlements and landscapes have evolved over time borrowing from tradition to solve problems and create new forms.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18
Autonomous Student Learning

90
Total

108
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module emphasises the development of critical, independent thinking in the undergraduate curriculum. Students are asked to observe architecture (broadly conceived to include buildings, landscapes and structures) in person and learn to describe them with clarity and objectivity. Group assignments focus on building teamwork and writing, as well as editing skills. Research methods are introduced through assignments. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Reflective and Analytical Essay due on 23rd December 2020 Unspecified n/a Graded No

70
Assignment: Observational Analysis to be submitted on 6th November 2020. More details will be provided. Unspecified n/a Graded No

30

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group feedback is given after completion of the first two assignments. Informal feedback sessions are also incorporated in class workshops and small writing assignments throughout the semester. Students are encouraged to give informal feedback to their peers through group tasks.