75455 - History of Italian/European Architecture M

Learning outcomes

At the end of the class, student has knowledge of methods and tools to analyse and understand architectural buildings and spaces, from the Ancient times to the Modern age, with particular attention to: relationships between forms and structures; building materials and techniques; aims of the clients and the architects; connections with previous and contemporary architectures. In particular, at the end of the course he/she is able to critically analyse an architectural work by identifying forms, building typologies and techniques as well as their relationships.

Course contents

The course presents the main architectures from antiquity to the present day. It is divided into two modules, the first covering the period from Greek civilisation to the mid-19th century, and the second focusing on contemporary transformations. Each lecture will be dedicated to a single topic and will address emblematic cases in-depth, with the aim of highlighting the role of the project at different scales: from design to architecture to the urban dimension.

Readings/Bibliography

At the conclusion of each lecture, the instructor will provide a bibliography of reference readings on the topics dealt with during the lecture. The slides prepared by the instructor - available on the Virtuale platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it [https://virtuale.unibo.it/] ) - and all the information contained in them are an essential part of the course bibliography.

 

The reference text for the preparation of the examination is: Patrick Nuttgens, A story of architecture, Phaidon, London 1997 (or later editions), chapters: 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and Epilogue.

Teaching methods

The course is divided in lectures dedicated to individual topics and case study analyses. We will address these in chronological order, highlighting moments of continuity and disruption. During lessons and exercises the students will be asked to discuss the proposed topics, exercising the ability to critically analyze the architectures and the relationship between forms and building techniques. Course attendance is not mandatory. However, it is strongly encouraged, especially for those students without prior exposure to the study of Italian and European architecture.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of an interview that aims to assess the degree of knowledge reached by the student through the study of the reference texts and the lecture notes.

In particular:

1. Those students who show developed analytical skills of selected readings and their correct contextualization within a complete vision of the issues discussed during lectures will be given a mark of excellence. Mastering of field-specific language and good expression during the examination will also be required (A =28-30 con lode).

2. Those students who show mnemonic knowledge of the subject and a superficial analysis of selected readings, as well as a correct but not always appropriate mastering of the field-specific language will be given a satisfactory mark (B = 25-27 and C = 23-24).

3. Those students who will show vague knowledge and superficial understanding of selected readings, limited analytical skills and a not always appropriate expression will be given a ‘pass’ mark roughly (D = 18-22).

4. Those students who show gaps in their knowledge and lack of familiarity with selected readings will not be given a ‘pass’ mark (E).

Teaching tools

Powerpoint and video. The slides we illustrate and comment on during lectures integrate the bibliography of readings with useful information and iconographic material. Students can find all slides on the Virutale platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it).

The material provided to the students, even if supplemented by the notes taken in class, is not a substitute for the reference texts but is an aid for a better use of the lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Righini