73059 - History of Design and Contemporary Architecture

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students are able to identify all the key issues of both production and realization processes; have understood the deep relationship between objects, spaces and lifestyles; are able to describe historically and evaluate critically the most important artifacts of the contemporary age.

Course contents

The main objective of the course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the history of architecture and design from the second half of the nineteenth century to the present day.
The lectures will be monographic in nature, follow a chronological order, and focus on architects, works, events, or themes that are particularly significant to the history of both disciplines.
In addition to historical knowledge, the course aims to offer tools for understanding the meanings embedded in architectural culture by exploring its relationship with society and contemporary cultural production.
In this sense, the course can be seen as a sampling of lifestyles, design approaches, and spatial models that help trace the evolution of taste over the past two centuries.

 

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

M. Vitta, Il progetto della bellezza. Il design fra arte e tecnica dal 1851 a oggi, Einaudi, Torino 2011.

I. Tolic, Il negozio all'italiana. Spazi, architetture e città, Bruno Mondadori, Milano 2018.

Any additional and/or more detailed texts will be indicated at the end of each lesson.

The lecture slides, available on Virtual, and all the information contained therein are to be considered an integral part of the bibliography.

 

Teaching methods

The course is structured around monographic lectures and the analysis of particularly significant case studies which, presented in chronological order, highlight both moments of continuity and of 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.

For each lecture, a test is available on Virtuale, allowing students to assess their level of understanding.

Midway through the course, a self-assessment test will be offered, designed to help students evaluate what they have learned up to that point.

In addition, “special lectures” with invited experts will be held, enriching the course content through a variety of perspectives.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of a multiple-choice written test. The test includes 31 questions and is considered passed with a minimum score of 18 out of 30.

Once the exam is passed, students may:
– accept the grade and have it officially recorded on the same day;
– reject the grade and retake the exam on another date;
– or request an oral exam on the same syllabus.

In the latter case, the grade obtained in the written test may be increased or decreased depending on the student's performance. The date of the oral exam will be announced on the day of the written test.

With regard to the optional oral exam, students who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in class, along with the ability to critically elaborate on them, will receive top marks.
Predominantly rote knowledge of the material, limited ability to synthesize and analyze, and/or correct but not always precise language will result in fair evaluations.
Knowledge gaps and/or inappropriate language—even in the presence of minimal familiarity with the exam material—will result in barely sufficient grades.
Severe knowledge gaps, inadequate language, and lack of familiarity with the course bibliography will result in a failing grade.

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

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