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Foundations of Architecture (ABPL20030)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject will survey the history of architecture and urbanism from the beginnings of shelter to the end of the 17th century in the context of social, technical and environmental settings. It will include the architecture and design traditions of early civilisations in the Middle East, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, South America and the Pacific. It will analyse the values reflected in vernacular buildings (housing), religious institutions (churches, temples), and the power of ruling institutions (state, city, palace and empire).

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:




  • demonstrate a broad understanding of the history of architecture and urbanism from ancient origins to the end of the 17th century in both the East and the West;
  • understand concepts of spatial organisation, construction, theory and representation which are useful in the analysis of architecture;
  • analyse buildings and places in terms of their context, form, spatial grammar, structural approaches, function and social role.

Generic skills

Students should aquire the following skills:

  • Analysis of physical artifacts in their historical context;
  • Understanding of history as a discipline and as a process;
  • Understanding of the social, cultural and environmental context of architecture;
  • Essay writing to undergraduate standard;
  • Use and understanding of architectural terminology.

Last updated: 6 December 2024