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Architecture as Spectacle (ABPL90369)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
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About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject considers the production of architecture in the age of commodification. It considers the place of architecture in a world that is growingly preoccupied with the visual and the culture of consumerism. It reflects on how such a world conceives, experiences and consumes architectural design as spectacle, placing striking visuality and iconography above other design intentions. Colonial imagining of otherness, nation building, heritage conservation, tourism industry, popular culture and media, as well as the branding practice of the 21st century will be considered as the broader political and social contexts in which the conception of architecture as spectacle arises.
Through a variety of case studies — ranging from the architecture of national pavilions at the world exposition series, the signatory works of 21st century’s star architects and their shaping of the image of the global cities, the strategic use of architecture in promoting place identity, arts, and heritage, to the commercial architecture of shopping malls, entertainment centres, and international franchise brands — we will reflect on, not only the commodification of architecture, but also how architectural design operates as a medium of commodification of culture, heritage, memory, and otherness. The subject will also explore the extent to which the notion of architecture as spectacle has infiltrated the space of everyday life, the house and the perception of urban life in general. We will then ponder on the effects of the commodification of architecture in the way we experience and shape our built environments.
Intended learning outcomes
On the completion of the subject, students should be able to:
- Interpret architecture as a form of cultural production in which design ideas are shaped by, and subsequently giving shape to, broader cultural conceptions such as identity, otherness, memory, authenticity and difference;
- Analyse the effects of commodification and consumerism on the production and reception of architectural design in the 21st century;
- Critique contemporary architecture while drawing from broader social theories and interdisciplinary criticism of the popular culture of the 21st century;
- Develop a critical view on the commodification of 21st century built environment and apply it in design work.
Generic skills
Critical reading skills, oral and visual presentation skills, research skills, essay writings, engagement with interdisciplinary works.
Last updated: 18 August 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABPL90117 | Twenty-first Century Architecture |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 18 August 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Tutorial presentations of analytical collage (based on visual and written materials to the total equivalent of 1000 to 1200 words)
| Week 4 | 20% |
Annotated bibliography and essay outline
| Week 8 | 15% |
Research essay
| Week 12 | 50% |
Class participation and engagement in the form of weekly written reflection of lecture and reading materials and formulation of discussion topic/critical question ( 7 reports , each equivalent to 125 words)
| From Week 2 to Week 11 | 15% |
Last updated: 18 August 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Amanda Achmadi Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 3 hours a week: 1x2 hour lecture and 1x1 hour tutorial. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022 Last self-enrol date 11 March 2022 Census date 31 March 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022 Assessment period ends 24 June 2022 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 Hours
Last updated: 18 August 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Subject reader
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Urban and Cultural Heritage Course Master of Architecture - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 18 August 2023