History of Art and Architecture VII: Experiencing Architecture

Abstract

Architectural experience became a key concept in theory and design in the 18th century. Starting from this period, this class studies early modern architectural history through the lens of how the built environment was experienced. We explore instances of the concept in texts, designs and buildings in different geographies. The course includes weekly critical reading and writing assignments.

Objective

Deepen basic knowledge, improve ability to critically analyse architectural history texts, develop humanities-based reasoning and argument skills, especially persuasive writing.

Content

The notion that buildings are foremost objects to be experienced, and that the intended experience of buildings should guide their design, became a key concept in the second half of the eighteenth century. The course examines architectural experience in texts, designs and buildings during major urban and architectural developments in the early modern period. We will explore the emergence of experience in observations of architecture, in theories, and in designs of buildings, and study its role in discussions about the situation, spatial composition, form and meaning of buildings. We examine how the relationship between experience and design evolved: in writings on architecture, in theoretical concepts, in design theories, and in architectural design. How does our understanding of this concept in the early modern period inform our thinking about the role of experience in contemporary architectural design and discourse? This course is a combination lecture, writing, and discussion class: one brief text per week will be read at home and discussed in class. Short critical writing assignments will be assigned during the semester. The final assignment is a short paper, and may be completed in English, German, or French. Active in-class participation is required.

Resources