ARCH430 SEMINAR IN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE
| Course Code: | 1200430 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 4.0 |
| Department: | Architecture |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. LALE ÖZGENEL |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
- Analyze and critique current trends, theories, and practices in contemporary architecture, situating them within their historical and cultural contexts.
- Evaluate the impact of emerging technologies, materials, and sustainability concerns on architectural design and practice in the 21st century.
- Examine the work and philosophies of influential contemporary local architects and firms, assessing their contributions to the field and their responses to global challenges.
- Develop critical thinking and communication skills through engaging in debates, presentations, and written analyses on contemporary architectural discourse and projects.
Course Content
This course addresses current developments and discussions in the contemporary architectural scene through thematic lectures. It covers multiple definitions and media of contemporary and its historical precedents. Themes selected aim to provide an insight into some of the key concepts, actors, precedents, institutions, books, venues and technologies forming the architectural agenda today.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able
- to articulate and critically analyze major themes and debates in contemporary architectural discourse.
- to research and present a case study on a significant contemporary architectural project, discussing its conceptual framework, design process, and societal impact, thereby gaining practical insights into the field.
- to identify and explain the influence of technological advancements and sustainability principles on current architectural practices and building systems.
- to develop and defend their own positions on crucial issues in contemporary architecture through written essays and oral presentations, demonstrating critical thinking and practical communication skills.
- to trace the evolution of architectural ideas from historical precedents to current practices, showing an understanding of the continuity and innovation in the field.
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Ability to establish connections between the discipline of architecture and its related areas of competence, with the cultural and social aspects of architectural production. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Gaining, evaluating and applying the technical, aesthetic and ethical dimensions of the knowledge and values of architecture with a scientific and critical approach. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Making analysis and synthesis of data by employing theories, methods and currents of thought that aid in the identification and solution of architectural design problems. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Developing creative and original ideas into the stages of theoretical design, projects, application and evaluation of architectural services and realizing them independently as well as in a team. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Being able to effectively use the traditional and digital communication technologies and visual expression tools. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Providing leadership to achieve synthesis through a productive coordination of the scientists and professionals of different disciplines taking part in the formation of the built environment. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Being open to lifelong education by internalizing world experiences related to architectural thought and applications and following new developments. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | Understanding the requirements of environmental, cultural and economic sustainability in both global and local scales and considering them in all professional activities. | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Defending the society's rights to shelter, within nature and city applying universal principles and resisting applications that are against professional ethics and laws while creating unique solutions and putting them into practice. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution