Theory of architecture: exegesis and criticism

Teacher(s)

De Raedt Nele;

Language

French

Main themes

Placed at the end of the curriculum, this reading and writing seminar invites students to exercise reflexivity and establish their theoretical positioning as they prepare to enter professional life as practitioners and/or researchers in architecture.
It draws upon:

• the contexts and arguments of several theorists considered relevant to today’s situation
• the student’s own architectural production (including project stages and design methods used)
• contemporary architectural production in a globalized or relocalized context
• the contemporary situation of architecture (its determinants, properties, effects…)
• the broader contemporary context (technological and social issues that are currently critical or dominant)

The writings of theorists serve as reference points for questioning current issues.
This approach requires clarifying the historical contexts of the texts, identifying their internal stakes, and deeply understanding the arguments and logic deployed by the authors.
Students use these references to develop, through analyses and critiques that intersect various elements of production or context rooted in the present, a personal writing style in pursuit of a coherent theoretical understanding of architecture.
Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
-	Argue from a personal theoretical position (established based on personal values) within a set of references Establish links between theoretical production and project production (notably through the stages and methodology of the architectural project) Use writing in an iterative process as a tool for speculation and investigation Establish connections with the contemporary condition of architecture and the environment

Teaching methods

This course is organised as an interactive seminar.

Evaluation methods

Evaluation of written text

Faculty or entity

> LOCI