B4879 - CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

Learning outcomes

At the end of the Course students will be familiar with the main architectural events of the contemporary era; they will understand the relationship between objects and spaces designed for their communication; they will be able to critically evaluate the main architectures of the last decades in relation to the contemporary global cultural and economic panorama.

Course contents

The course aims to provide students with the tools for a basic understanding of contemporary architecture and its key issues, with particular focus on housing, retail spaces, and the relationship between the two.
The lectures will be monographic in nature and will explore emblematic case studies in depth, highlighting the role of design at various scales: from product design to architecture, up to the urban dimension.
In order to encourage active discussion on the course topics, traditional lectures (ex cathedra) may be complemented by a practical exercise. This activity is intended exclusively for attending students, and its objectives and participation requirements will be discussed in class during the first session of the course.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

At the end of each lecture, the instructor will provide a list of references related to the topics covered.

The slides prepared by the instructor, available on Virtuale, and all the information they contain are to be considered an integral part of the course bibliography.

Teaching methods

The course is structured around monographic lectures and the analysis of particularly significant case studies which, presented in chronological order, help to highlight moments of continuity as well as rupture.
Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended—especially for students who have not previously studied topics related to architecture and/or design.
“Special lectures” will be held with invited experts, whose contributions will enrich the course by offering different perspectives.
Finally, in order to encourage active discussion of the course topics, traditional lectures (ex cathedra) may be complemented by a practical exercise.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of a written multiple-choice test. The test is composed of 31 questions and is considered passed with an overall mark of at least 18/30.

Once students have passed the exam, they may accept the mark and have it officially recorded on the same day; they may reject it and retake the exam on another date; or they may request to take an oral exam on the same syllabus, provided that they have obtained at least 18 in the written test. In the latter case, the mark obtained in the written test may be increased or decreased, depending on the preparation demonstrated. The date of the oral exam will be communicated on the day of the written test.

As regards the oral exam, students who demonstrate an organic understanding of the topics covered in class, combined with critical engagement with them, will be awarded excellent marks.

A mainly mnemonic knowledge of the subject, a limited ability to synthesise and analyse, and/or language that is correct but not always precise will lead to good marks.

Gaps in knowledge and/or inappropriate language, even where there is a minimal knowledge of the examination material, will result in marks no higher than a pass.

Serious gaps in knowledge, inadequate language, and lack of orientation within the bibliography proposed during the course will result in a fail.

Students with specific learning disorders or temporary or permanent disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant University office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will propose any necessary adjustments to the students concerned; these must in any case be submitted to the lecturer for approval at least 15 days in advance. The lecturer will assess their appropriateness also in relation to the learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint and video. The slides presented and discussed during lectures complement the bibliography with information and visual materials useful for learning and, as such, are made available to students on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Ines Tolic