VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

052-0845-26L 2 Credits BSC D-ARCH

Special Topics History and Theory of Architecture: Vision or Prompt?

Spezialfragen Architekturgeschichte und -theorie: Vision oder Prompt?

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Philip Ursprung
Examiners: Prof. Dr. Philip Ursprung, Dr. Linda Schädler Meiler
Does not take place this semester.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:21

Abstract

Using case studies and texts, the seminar introduces students to the topic of authorship before and after the advent of AI, and explores the concept of authorship in art and architecture.

Objective

Knowledge of the history of copyright in art and architecture, as well as the latest developments relating to AI. Development of a critical understanding of authorship.

Content

“In Switzerland, only works created by a human being are protected by copyright.” This is the first sentence of a paper of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property regarding AI and copyright law. But what happens when AI-generated contents draw on existing works of art or buildings? Using texts and specific case studies, we explore where authorship may lie and where the question of authorship remains unresolved until today. In addition, we will look back at earlier centuries. Even before the advent of AI, there were legal disputes over authorship – in the art world, legend has it that these date back as far as the early 15th century to Albrecht Dürer. Using case studies from art and architecture, we will explore where and under what circumstances these earlier copyright cases occurred, and to what extent they can help answer current questions.

Resources

Literature

The compulsory texts will be available at the beginning of the seminar.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
exercise Spezialfragen Architekturgeschichte und -theorie: Vision oder Prompt?
Does not take place this semester. Permission from lecturers required for all students. Kein Unterricht am 23. Oktober (Seminarwoche) und in den letzten beiden Semesterwochen.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In