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051-0190-07L 1 Credits BSC , DS D-ARCH

History of Building Technology in Case Studies

Geschichte der Bautechnik in Fallstudien

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Pfammatter
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:36

Abstract

Architecture has been aimed at defying solid mass. Spaces have increasingly opened up, walls have become thinner until they metamorphosed into a mere skin and new materials and techniques, imported from automobile, shipbuilding, aviation and aerospace industries, have been translated into construction methods. The lectures point out history, actuality and future point of views.

Content

The history of building technologies is simultaneously the cultural history of building. It reflects the patterns of thought of an epoch and is colored by pioneers, project-specific collectives and educational culture. In these lectures, their influence as well as the developmental history of inventions, processes and models of transfer will be illustrated by selected themes and case studies. The 19th century plays a central role in the understanding of modern and contemporary developments. The winter semester is concerned with the areas in which the most ingenious architects were active: glass buildings, railroads and large halls, curtain wall, balloon frame and skyscraper, industrialization, pioneers in concrete, etc. The summer semester treats specific issues: the history of ‘sustainable design’, interdisciplinary models of work, educational culture and didactic methods, etc. It will also be devoted to the presentation of the students’ elective thesis projects.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , DS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Geschichte der Bautechnik in Fallstudien
14-täglich - Unterrichtsdaten folgen
  • Fri 12:45-14:30 (HIL E 9)
1 h weekly

Offered In