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History and Theory of Architecture VIII (L. Schmitt)
Architekturgeschichte und -theorie VIII (L. Schmitt)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:42:22
Abstract
The lecture looks at buildings from the first half of the 20th century to examine the social and cultural conditions of architecture. Other disciplines of creative work – including the fine arts and design – are also taken into account. The tendencies to historicize modernism as an epoch are analyzed on the basis of current scientific research.
Objective
The lecture series aims to focus on some of the concepts of recent architecture and art history that have an ongoing influence on contemporary architecture. It deals with outstanding architecture of the 20th century and its historical conditions in order to understand the mechanisms that have shaped today's perception of modernity.
Content
Building today is often measured by the standards of modern architecture. However, since these standards are determined – as in all times before – by cultural, social and political factors, the task of understanding the historical conditions of modern architecture is highly important. The lecture therefore draws on telling examples from the architectural spectrum of the decades between 1900 and 1950 that show the complex interplay of actors, events and media, which had lasting effects on architecture. This spectrum ranges from Henry van de Velde and Peter Behrens to the changing roles in which architects such as Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier were active, to the career of the "International Style" in the Anglo-Saxon countries and the emigrés architects who left Europe under the threat of National Socialism. The lecture also highlights the contribution of female architects and the early historiographical appropriation of Modernism by authors such as Sigfried Giedion and Nikolaus Pevsner.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 60 minutes
- Aids
- None
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Architekturgeschichte und -theorie VIII (L. Schmitt)
Keine Lehrveranstaltung am 20.3. (Seminarwoche), am 17.4. (Osterferien) sowie an Feiertagen und in den letzten 2 Wochen des Semesters (s. Raumbelegungen).
|
|
2 h weekly |