81931 - Analysis of the Built Environment

Learning outcomes

The module provides an in-depth analysis of the dynamics of urban development as a driver for the definition of repeatable architectural models in the region, of the network of infrastructure and digital systems necessary for the knowledge and promotion of the architectural, cultural and artistic heritage. At the end of the course, the student is able to: understand the dynamics of urban development; develop skills for understanding repeatable architectural models in the region; define systems and services useful for understanding the city and necessary for its use.

Course contents

The point of view of this part of the course starts from a tradition of studies that sees design closely interrelated with theoretical reflection: hence, the topic of design invention is considered in its relations with the construction of places, therefore of the environment, revealing the order underlying the evidence of the forms.

If the built environment corresponds to the inseparable relationship between nature and artifice that has been established and stratified over the course of time, the hypothesis of transformation intends to determine the design according to structural lines aimed at defining it as part of a hypothesis of construction that concerns the entire city – or region – and its constituent elements. This way, the project will be able to measure itself against the concrete reading of the architecture of the surrounding site, measuring itself against the peculiarities of the various natural and built elements, but at the same time against the very clear character of the urban fabric of the historical “city”, hence with the weave of the settlement, that is to say with the concatenation of facts on a different scale, which links the form of architecture to the division and occupation of the land, to the character of the lines and to the variety of urban empty spaces.

The problem once again coincides with the need to reason about the transformation of urban facts by reflecting on their nature, their specific characteristics, so that understanding and making architecture are once again inextricably linked in a single process.

Readings/Bibliography

Focillon, Henry. Vita delle forme. Milano: Minuziano, 1945 (Torino: G.Einaudi, 2002);

Grassi, Giorgio. Una vita da architetto. Milano: F. Angeli, 2008;

Lévi-Strauss, Claude. Tristi tropici. Milano: Il Saggiatore, 1960 (Milano: Il Saggiatore 2015);

Loos, Adolf. Parole nel vuoto. Milano: Adelphi, 1972 (Milano: Adelphi 2014);

Lord, James. Un ritratto di Giacometti. Roma: Nottetempo, 2004;

Ortelli, Luca. L’adeguatezza di Asplund. Siracusa: LetteraVentidue, 2018.

Pracchi, Attilio. Il tetto e le stelle. Osservazioni sulla casa tradizionale e le fiabe. Bologna: Ogni uomo è tutti gli uomini, 2015;

Rogers, Ernesto Nathan. Esperienza dell’architettura. Torino: G. Einaudi 1958 (Milano: Skira 1997);

Rossi, Aldo. Autobiografia scientifica. Parma: Pratiche, 1990 (Milano: Il Saggiatore, 2009);

Tessenow, Heinrich. Osservazioni elementari sul costruire. Milano: F. Angeli, 1979 (Milano: F. Angeli 2016).

Teaching methods

The educational work of the module assumes a structure based on the comparison established in the project between theory, construction hypothesis, technical elements and innovative technologies. The project will be fine-tuned through constant discussion with the students individually and through common discussions involving all participants.

The module will be broken down into two logically related successive phases and understood as parts of the same curriculum.

Assessment methods

The systematic review of the students' work and intermediate seminars will allow a constant assessment of the progress of the work in the laboratory.

Teaching tools

The lessons will use audio and video clips in addition to the usual methods.

Students will make use of digital drawing devices, including 3D modelling (physical models can also be developed as an alternative to the latter).

Office hours

See the website of Maura Savini

See the website of Amir Djalali