Twenty-first Century Architecture

Subject 702-508 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Up to 4 hours a week (48 hours total)
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: Modern Architecture
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Subject Overview:

This subject offers a broad introduction to contemporary theories and methods used in the production and critique of architecture in the context of current philosophy and social theory. Theories of space, place, representation and technology will be explored along with the relations of architecture to identity, power, gender, culture, ethnicity and social class. The subject provides a perspective within which contemporary architectural polemics and strategies can be understood.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Understand and articulate a broad range of contemporary architectural theories
  • Identify the major architectural thinkers, their philosophical positions and the debates between them.
  • Investigate a particular architectural theory for critical debate and to develop it for their own design practice and criticism.

Assessment: Project proposal of up to 1000 words due in week 4 (20%) and written and/or graphic project of at least 4000 words due at the end of semester (80%)
Prescribed Texts: TBC
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Use and citation of sources
  • Written and verbal presentation of ideas
  • Essay and report writing
  • Ability to analyze social and cultural contexts
  • Application of generic theories to specific examples
Related Course(s): Master of Architecture

Download PDF version.