Course detail

Space in Modern Architecture

FA-SMA1Acad. year: 2017/2018

The seminar introduces to the concept of space in modern architecture, focusing on two aspects: historical and critical. The course provides historical and intellectual mapping of the concept of space through the discussion of texts of architectural theory in the twentieth century, including the genesis of this concept. The critical aspect of the course develops understanding of architecture in a broader cultural context (such as philosophical thinking, theory and history of art).
Thematic units:
" Modern architecture and space: introduction to the concept of space in modern architecture (Collins, Forty, Zevi)
" The very beginning of the concept: the emergence of architectural space and a search for identity within architecture
Enclosed space (Semper, Berlage); Enclosure or shelter; Wright's "destruction of the box" and flowing space
" Modernism and space: its discourse on space and its preconditions
A new understanding of space (Schindler, De Stijl, Moholy-Nagy, Mies van der Rohe)
Le Corbusier: from the Enlightenment dream of "transparency" to "Ineffable Space"
" Architectural critique of modernist concept of space and return of the notion of place
From phenomenology and existentialism to architectural space (Van der Laan)
The concept of place (Norberg-Schulz)
Deconstruction: from Derrida's spacing to a different place (Tschumi)
" A reflective and critical approach to the concept of space
(Arnheim, Casey, Foucault, Lefebvre, Vidler)

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The seminar is assessed through an essay.

Prerequisites

Basics of history of modern architecture

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching methods depend on the type of course unit as specified in the article 7 of BUT Rules for Studies and Examinations.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Active attendance, written work on elect subject

Course curriculum

Thematic units:
" Modern architecture and space: introduction to the concept of space in modern architecture (Collins, Forty, Zevi)
" The very beginning of the concept: the emergence of architectural space and a search for identity within architecture
Enclosed space (Semper, Berlage); Enclosure or shelter; Wright's "destruction of the box" and flowing space
" Modernism and space: its discourse on space and its preconditions
A new understanding of space (Schindler, De Stijl, Moholy-Nagy, Mies van der Rohe)
Le Corbusier: from the Enlightenment dream of "transparency" to "Ineffable Space"
" Architectural critique of modernist concept of space and return of the notion of place
From phenomenology and existentialism to architectural space (Van der Laan)
The concept of place (Norberg-Schulz)
Deconstruction: from Derrida's spacing to a different place (Tschumi)
" A reflective and critical approach to the concept of space
(Arnheim, Casey, Foucault, Lefebvre, Vidler)

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The seminar aims to:
- introduce to the architectural theory in the 20th century by focusing on the topic of space.
- to understand the architectural discourse through discussion of the basic sources.
- to develop critical thinking and awareness of the relation between architecture and wider cultural context.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Attendance and active participation

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Arnheim, R.: The Dynamics of Architectural Form. Berkley - Los Angeles 1977 (Chapter "Elements of Space", pp. 9-31). (EN)
Collins, P.: Changing Ideals in Modern Architecture. Montreal 1975 (Chapter "New Concepts of Space", pp. 285-293). (EN)
Forty, A.: Words and Buildings. New York 2000 (Chapter "Space", pp. 256-275). (EN)
Benton, T. (ed.): Form and Function: A Source Book for the History of Architecture and Design. 1890-1939. London 1975. (EN)
Casey, E. S.: Getting Back into Place. Toward a Renewed Understanding of the Place-World. Bloomington - Indianapolis 1993. (EN)
Hays, K. M. (ed.): Architecture. Theory since 1968. New York 2000. (EN)
Nesbitt, K. (ed.): Theorizing a New Agenda for Architecture. New York 1996. (EN)
Ven, der van C.: Space in Architecture. The Evolution of a New Idea in the Theory and History of the Modern Movements. Assen - Maastricht 1987. (EN)
Vidler, A.: Warped Space. Cambridge/Mass. 2001. (EN)
Zevi, B.: Architecture as Space. New York, 1993. (EN)

Recommended reading

aktuální texty a otevřené přednášky

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme ARCHURB Bachelor's

    branch ARCH , 4. year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Seminar

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer