AA2HTC: History and Theory of Architecture: Buildings and Places

Module code: AA2HTC

Module provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Stephen Gage , email: s.g.gage@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AA2IPR AND TAKE AA2STC AND TAKE AA2DS3N AND TAKE AA2DS4N (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module is the second in a series of modules which relate to the history and theory of architecture, to be provided over three years within the Architecture programme. It is closely related to other modules including second year design modules. Ìý
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Modules will explore how different civilisations/societies responded to a changing physical, socio-political, legal, cultural, technological, industrial and economic context. The module will involve consideration of examples from around the world, helping students to build an understanding of local issues arising in a variety of climates and societies.Ìý
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The scale of examples considered in this second-year module will generally be at a local level – at the scale of buildings, groups of buildings, neighbourhoods and communities, to align within the scale of projects undertaken by students in the second-year design studio module.Ìý

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Understand the cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings; GC 2.1
2. Understand the influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture; GC 2.2
3. Understand the design theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design; GC 3.1
4. Understand the creative application of the fine arts and their relevance and impact on architecture; GC 3.2
5. Understand the application of appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design projects, in terms of their conceptualisation and representation; GC 3.3 and GC 2.3
6. Evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions in order to make and present sound judgements within a structured discourse relating to architectural culture, theory and design; GA 1.4
7. Demonstrate their analytical skills and critical thinking as well as their ability to structure extended pieces of written work and portfolio submissions
8. Demonstrate relationships between people, buildings and spaces and their understanding of urban design issues

Module content

The module is structured around a range of topic areas:

1. ÌýArchitecture and contemporary ideas
2. Architecture and society
3. Architecture and the city – The birth of public spaces; the agora, the loggia and the piazza; identify and place from the Antiquity via the Renaissance to contemporary sense of public realm
4. The changing role of the architect through the centuries: from the guilds to the avant-garde and from there to the social entrepreneur
5. Interactions between architectural firms/organisations and communities
6. Students will be asked to develop case studies and to develop pieces of critical writing that respond to a range of topics

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be delivered via lectures and seminar discussions, where student participation in leading discussion will be essential. There will be occasional guest lecturers. Extra hours for essay guidance/supervision are included. Additional materials, including optional recorded lectures and weekly readings, will be provided online via Blackboard.ÌýÌý