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

Once the exam is passed, the student may choose to accept the grade and have it officially recorded on the same day; reject the grade and retake the exam on a future date; or request an oral exam on the same syllabus. In the latter case, the grade received on 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 or analyze, and/or correct but not always precise language will result in fair evaluations.
Knowledge gaps and/or inappropriate language, even when accompanied by a minimal understanding of the exam material, will result in barely sufficient grades.
Significant deficiencies, inadequate language, and a 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