2024

Architecture Theory I

Name: Architecture Theory I
Code: ARQ02530I
3 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours
Scientific Area: Architecture

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English, Italian
Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

With a focus on the main episodes of western architectural theory production from Vitruvius to the 19th C., this UC seeks to develop the students' culture of theory and their ability for criticism.

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

"Architecture as Being" is the central theme of the curricular unit, Theory of Architecture I:
1. Architecture, understood as an autonomous disciplinary body. Discussion upon its nature.
2. Architecture as a construction process that is inseparable of the notion of dwelling and place.
3. Architecture as a continuously experienced and lived event, expressed in certain atmospheres arising from their visible and invisible qualities.
4. Architecture as a "construction of happiness", inseparable of an ethic, in other words, the grounding force for making and living (the Architecture itself) in the world.
5. Students' approach to critical thought about Architecture, delivering them knowledge and tools likely to allow judgmental about Architecture, as well as to stimulate creativity and the Architecture Project process itself.

Contents

The programmatic contents arise from the objectives and skills to develop, and suit to semi-annual teaching period, according to the follow structure:
1. Introduction. Architecture Theory.
2. Architecture of Origin of Dwelling.
3. Architecture and Place, Purpose and Address.
4. Architecture and Architecture Project.
5. Architecture and Ethics.
6. Architecture and Corporeity.
7. Conclusion.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methodology favours theoretical presentation and promotes the retention of learning through individual and group tasks throughout the semester (continuous assessment):
a. Participatory lectures with the support of slides;
b. Reading and reviewing texts (group work);
c. Tutorial monitoring (in the development of group work);
d. Group work, according to the briefing (50%);
e. Written test (50%);
f. Participation and attendance (with no weighting factor).

This course is theoretical, so the attendance regime does not apply. However, it is highly recommended that students attend classes, which is only possible if they are present.
This course can be assessed in one of the following ways, in accordance with the Academic Regulations (AR), which are available on the SIIUE:
Continuous Assessment regime (CA);
Final Assessment regime (FA).

Assessment

The CA system is made up of 2 components:
1 group assignment (GA) + 1 written test (WT). Both components take place during term time.
To be exempt from the resit exam, each component of the CA must have a minimum mark of 10/2. The Final Grade is calculated according to the following formula: (0.5 x GA) + (0.5 x WT).

Students who fail the CA only have access to the resit exam (written) (W). The Final Grade takes into account the highest mark obtained in one of the CA components – Group Assignment (GA) or Written test (WT) – and is calculated according to the following formula:
(0.60 x W) + (0.40% x GA/WT).

The FA regime consists of two periods, the regular exam and the resit exam.
The regular exam, like the resit exam, consists of two components, written (W) and oral (O). To pass, each component must have a minimum mark of 10/20. The Final Grade of the regular exam and of resit exam is calculated according to the following formula: (0.5 x W) + (0.5 x O).

Teaching Staff