You will explore significant themes in the theory of architecture from the second half of the twentieth century and early twenty first, and ways of researching meaning and intention in the built environment. This will be done with a view towards developing a robust theoretical framework for your own design work. Using course texts as the basis for discussions, you will examine the growth and development of some of the more significant architectural theories of the last fifty years and their impact on architectural design practice. This will help better understand those contemporary landscapes in which architects operate as designers and give them tools to look, see, interpret and respond in diverse cultural contexts.
The module encourages independent, critical thinking and competent research skills. It will broaden your knowledge of recent trends in architecture and introduce a variety of theoretical, social, professional and material concerns. Texts, precedent, cases and contexts will be studied through lectures, seminars, reviews/ presentations and a one-day study trip, as well as and through input and reading. You will be expected to look beyond given texts and case studies in order to describe your own developing positions in architecture as they relate to existing theoretical concerns.
Lectures: 8 hours
Seminars: 16 hours
Reviews: 4 hours
Workshop / Trip: 4 hours
Total: 70 hours
In person or online (hybrid)
Practical - Presentation: Oral presentation of proposal. (30 minutes). (30%).
Written - Essay: Illustrated essay (3,000 words) (70%)
In this module student work undergoes two forms of assessments: oral presentation and portfolio review, weighted 30/70. The oral presentation consists of a timed in-person presentation, and including written and visual material, assessed in terms of research quality, and visual and spoken coherence according to clearly identified expectations. The second assessment is an illustrated essay, which will be submitted at the end of the term, and formally assessed by tutors in relation to clearly identified criteria (articulation of hypothesis, literature/ case study review, research method/ design, research activity, analysis, critical reflection, conclusions, presentation quality).
Reassessment methods
Single Instrument 100% Written
These assessments have been designed to be accessible in-line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate advanced understanding of the theoretical context of contemporary architectural and urban design.
2) Demonstrate knowledge of the influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture (GC2.2).
3) Evidence knowledge of the application of appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design projects, demonstrating a reflective and critical approach (GC2.3). Develop knowledge of how the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design (GC3.1).
4) Cultivate knowledge of the creative application of the fine arts and their relevance and impact on architecture (GC3.2).
5) Establish knowledge of the creative application of such work [the fine arts] to studio design projects, in terms of their conceptualisation and representation (GC3.3).
6) Curate knowledge of theories of urban design and the planning of communities (GC4.1)
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