This module is designed to open wide to students the question of architectural discourse to allow them to see how rich and enriching it can be. Architecture is far more than mere buildings. This module explores in detail some of the diverse ways in which it has been conceived, studied and interrogated from c.1450 to the present. In what ways does architecture participate in social conformism, in capitalism, and in what ways is architecture able to offer resistance to hegemonic trends? This is not a survey of architecture; even less is it a study of architectural styles. Instead the course is conceived to challenge the overwhelmingly historicist treatment of architecture in much current architectural history. Thus it is designed in terms of particularly fruitful ways of approaching architecture in terms of problematics. Themes include gender & sexuality, matter and materiality, decoration and adornment, fabrics and cladding, architecture & poetry; architecture and film; architecture and temporality beyond historicism; architecture & colonialism.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Academic and graduate skills
Module information
- Module title
Critical Architecture: more than mere containment- Module number
HOA00076M- Convenor
Helen Hills
For postgraduates