Architectural Cultures 1: Modernism

Subject ABPL90288 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 4 hours per week
Total Time Commitment:

120 hours

Prerequisites:

Admission into the 300-point Master of Architecture program.

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

Contact

Environments and Design Student Centre
Ground Floor, Baldwin Spencer (building 113)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Website: http://www.msd.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject surveys the ways in which architecture as a discipline and a profession influenced, reciprocated and sometimes shaped the changing ideological, social and political environment of the 20th century and after.

It identifies key ideas and interventions at different scales ranging from domestic buildings to urban institutions and environments.

Who/what were the agents, organizations, projects and users – and what were their legacies?

Each lecture will link architectural movements and texts to built works and built environments focusing on specific examples and people that best illustrate key ideas. The theme of each lecture will be formulated around the critical analysis of the legacy of these various orientations and their positive or negative outcomes or reception.

Students will examine colonial and imperial cities, the European avant garde, American modernism, CIAM 8 and social programs and utopian movements.

Objectives:
  • Understand the historical development of architecture.
  • Understand social, political, historical and cultural contexts through contextualisation of knowledge on the built environment.
  • Be aware of intellectual discourses that have influenced or are influenced by specific periods and issues.
  • Be aware of specific examples and individuals or groups that are central to intellectual discourses.
Assessment:
  • A short summary of each weekly reading (10)
  • Presentation of one weekly reading during tutorial (10%)
  • Onepage abstract due by week 4, followed by five page outline with bibliography due in week 6 (20%)
  • 4000 word essay (with references) due during exam period (50%)
  • Students will be asked to present on their essay topics in weeks 11 & 12 (10%)

Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes.

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Research through the selection of architectural case studies and regular use of the library.
  • Critical thinking and analysis through required reading, discussion, essay writing and presentations and assessment of arguments.
  • Communicating knowledge intelligibly and economically, in written and oral form through essays, discussion and class presentations .
  • Selection and critique of architectural case studies.
Notes:

It is recommended that ABPL90288 Architectural Cultures 1 be completed before commencing ABPL90289 Architectural Cultures 2.

Related Course(s): Master of Architecture

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