B8919 - HISTORY OF CONSTRUCTION M

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module the student is able to recognise, historically situate and critically evaluate the major architectures of the contemporary period, including the transformations undergone by buildings constructed in previous eras, knowing the main constructional aspects and having the ability to place them in the city and territory in which they are located. In particular, the student is able to: carry out archival research; carry out bibliographic research; critically structure a historical study itinerary; recognise the main systems of forms in relation to the said historical period; describe and comment, in verbal and written form, an architecture belonging to the said historical period.

Course contents

By the end of the course, students will be able to identify, place in historical context, and critically evaluate some of the major architectural works of the contemporary period by a selection of architects who have focused their work on constructive aspects and urban regeneration. In specific cases, the course will examine the transformations undergone by buildings constructed in earlier eras, highlighting their key structural and restoration aspects so that students acquire the tools to recognize them and correctly situate them in time and place.

The course will also cover how to conduct bibliographic research and critically structure a historical study; students will learn to describe and analyze, both orally and in writing, an architectural work from the historical period in question.

General Syllabus:

Introduction, exercises explanation, exam procedures.

Gio Ponti

Leonardo Ricci

Pierluigi Nervi

Italy’s Bridges and Infrastructure: Sergio Musumeci and Riccardo Morandi

Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Public Works and Design

Le Corbusier

Argentina with Clorindo Testa and Double-Structure Buildings: the Library and the Bank; Uruguay with Eladio Dieste

Renzo Piano. “The Architecture of the Second Age of the Machine”

Ove Arup, Berthold Lubetkin, Arup’s colleague at Tecton. Jørn Utzon + Arup and the Sydney Opera House (1957–73)


Topics for student presentations: Jean Nouvel, Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Mario Botta, Rem Koolhaas, MVRDV, Herzog & De Meuron, Santiago Calatrava

Teaching methods

The course will consist primarily of lectures; students will be provided with the relevant slides and bibliographic materials covering the topics presented. During the course, students will be required to complete an assignment, which will be reviewed during designated class sessions and must be submitted before the exam in order to be eligible to take it. There will be sessions explaining how to compile a bibliography—one of which will take place in person at the library—as well as in-class presentations by students and at least one field trip.

Assessment methods

The final exam will be oral, it will delve into the main contents of the course and on the exercise elaboration.

Office hours

See the website of Ilaria Cattabriga