Theory of Architecture 3:2, 10 Credits

Contents

The course aims to provide methods to develop and assess an individual proposal for an architectural brief and program in relation to specific contexts and the wider architectural discourse. The primary method employed is to support the development of an individual thesis through the architectural strategies, case studies, the projection of these strategies into a specific context and a reflection on the implications this process creates.
 
The course consists of three modules

1. Development of individual position and proposal, 4 Credits
2. Research of architectural theories and strategies, 4,5 Credits
3. Communication of an individual architectural strategy, 1,5 Credits

The field of research is widened through the investigation and analysis of historical and contemporary approaches of architectural interventions. During this phase  students develop an individual position in relation to the development of an architectural proposal. The architectural proposal should include an individual approach to the project, a basic architectural program and a critical analysis of key elements of their chosen site(s).
The topic of the individual proposal is developed and refined over the duration of the course. This is facilitated through individual reflections on the wider architectural discourse in relation to specific contexts.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:Competence and skills

• Relate and integrate relevant  architectural research into an architectural proposal for a specific context.
• Comunicate an individual theoretical positioning and its architectural articulation.

Judgement and approach

• Develop and communicate an individual critical architectural proposal position by means of writing and visualisation.
• Discuss and evaluate different strategies of architectural interventions in relation to an individual position.
• Develop and evaluate an architectural program and brief in relation to a specific context and the wider architectural discourse. 
• Develop and express how the individual critical architecture position is mediated through the spatial and formal articulations created.

Required Knowledge

For eligibility to the course the following are required
5AR300: Architecture project 3:1 (15 hp)
5AR301: Urban PLanning 2 (3 hp)
5AR302: History of Architectural 3 (4 hp)
5AR313: Theory of Architecture 3:1 (8 hp)

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, case studies and workshops, as well as individual and group project assignments consisting of analytical exercises, practical exercises, group discussions and critiques.
The students right to teaching and supervision at the course that they are registered for is only valid from the onset of the course to the end of the course.

Examination modes

On this course, there will be oral and written examinations based on diagrams, architectural models and other relevant visual material prepared individually or and in groups. The results are assessed through mandatory assignments and by documentation of the student's own working process and results.
Supplementary re-examination is individually adjusted based on the goal or goals that the student has not reached and takes place at the earliest two weeks after the students have received their results and at the latest two months after the regular examination. Students who have obtained a passing grade on an examination may not undergo a re-examination.
 Grade for the course will be assigned when the submitted report is approved. The possible grades are 'Fail', 'Pass' or 'Pass with distinction'. For the grades 'Pass' and 'Pass with distinction' the quality of the written report needs to be high and very high respectively. Students are entitled to rewrite the same examination five times. Students who do not pass the regular examination should be provided an opportunity for further examination according to the University's "Regulations for tests and examinations at the undergraduate and graduate levels." A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a course, is entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it (HF 6 Chap. 22 §). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the department. Students have the right to be tested on the same curriculum as the regular examination at least two occasions up to two years after the first registration.
 
Deviations from the form of examination in the syllabus can be made for a student who has pedagogical support due to disabilities. Individual adjustments of the examination form are determined based on the student's needs. The examination form is adjusted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes of the syllabus. After a request from the student the course leader shall contact the examiner, who promptly decides on the adjusted form of examination. The decision is then to be reported to the student.