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Global Foundations of Design (ABPL20055)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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This subject will survey the history of architecture and urbanism from the beginnings of shelter to the Enlightenment and mid-nineteenth century in the context of social, cultural, political, technical and environmental settings. It will include architecture, designed landscapes and design traditions from early civilisations to colonial sites in Oceania and the Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South Asia, East Asia and South America. It will survey and analyse values reflected in vernacular buildings, urban landscapes, and institutions of power and belief, and address innovations in spatial organisation, construction technology and design composition, and the importance of theory and ideas in representations of architecture, landscape and urbanism.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Describe and discuss in broad terms the history of architecture and urbanism from ancient origins to the mid-nineteenth century;
  • Identify, describe and discuss buildings, sites and places in terms of their context, form, spatial grammar, structural approaches, function and social role;
  • Analyse and appraise fundamental concepts relating to spatial patterns, construction, theory and representation useful in the analysis of architecture, designed landscapes and urbanism;
  • Employ written, verbal and drawn media to communicate knowledge and understanding of historic architecture, urbanism and landscape design applying appropriate terminology;
  • Research, structure, write and cite an essay, report and bibliography to undergraduate standard to academic, professional and general audiences.

Generic skills

  • Critically evaluate new ideas, research findings, methodologies and theoretical frameworks relevant to urban, landscape and architectural history;
  • Engage confidently in self-directed study and research;
  • Communicate ideas effectively in written, graphic and oral formats.

Last updated: 7 June 2024