Course Information

Philosophy. Study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence.

This course explores the ways in which humans embody their ideas, spirits and power relations in built environments. Some issues discussed include: architecture and the ethics of a 'good' society; the role of creativity: imaginary cities of the mind; architecture and the phenomenal body in space; and the fundamental components of architectural design.

We will begin with the Roman philosopher Vitruvius. Vitruvius's Ten Books on Architecture is considered to be the first major work on architecture. For Vitruvius, civilisation itself requires movement from cave (non-constructed shelter) to purpose-built structures, and he suggested that humans became 'civilised' through architecture. This idea raises the question of how essential architecture is to our human being. Vitruvius also raised the question of 'beauty' and how necessary features such as proportion, order, and harmony are to architecture. This question dates back to the Greeks and remains an important issue today. Over ten weeks, we will move through the Renaissance, considering two models: the relations of architecture to the metaphysical; and the Renaissance model of the human body for architecture. Finally, we will arrive at the modern and postmodern ideas of the city and the suburbs.

Aims

This course aims to:

• give an in-depth understanding of the issues involved in of the philosophy of architecture
• provide an understanding of the history of architecture and its developments
• facilitate discussion on the ideas of some of the great architectural theorists
• provide an understanding of the role architecture plays in our lives
• promote discussion on the political and ethical implications of architecture.

Outcomes

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• recognise many historical types of architecture
• discuss a range of theories which have historically underpinned the buildings of the past and present
• discuss different philosophical positions on architecture
• discuss both universal and topical issues in architecture.
• identify ways of researching the topic further.

Content

1. Introduction to concepts

We will consider the idea of architecture, as opposed to mere shelter or other forms of engineering; what does it mean to 'inhabit' a built social space, and how essential is architecture to our human being.

2. Introduction to the politics of architecture

Contemporary theorists have had much to say on this issue, including new concerns about environmental ethics. What does it mean for architecture to be 'ethical', and who decides which human needs it should provide for.

3. Vitruvius's Ten Books of Architecture

Vitruvius's Ten Books of Architecture is considered to be the first major work on architecture. For Vitruvius, civilization itself requires movement from cave (non-constructed shelter) to purpose-built structures; he is suggesting that humans became 'civilized' through architecture. Vitruvius also raises the question of 'beauty' and how necessary features such as proportion, order and harmony are to architecture.

4. The Renaissance

We will consider two Renaissance theories: the relations of architecture to metaphysical principles; and the Renaissance understanding of the human body as an organic, integrated entity.

5. The enlightenment and the Gothic Romantic

We will consider ideas that contributed to architecture in the 18th and 19th centuries, moving from Enlightenment reason to Gothic mysticism.

6. John Ruskin

Ruskin, the mid-19th century art critic, also had a well developed theory of architecture. His works: The Seven Lamps of Architecture (1849) and The Stones of Venice (1851) remained influential for subsequent generations, down to the Modernists. He was particularly important to the Pre-Raphaelites.

7. The politics of American cities

In the 1950's Jane Jacobs outlined one of the first explicitly political and ethical philosophies of architecture. In The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961) she critiques government polices as being intentionally exclusivist and unjust to underprivileged groups in America. Jacobs calls for a more inclusive and egalitarian planning policy for the future of modern cities.

8. Cities of the mind

This week we will look at the long history of fictional cities and the role they played in ideologies, both past and present. A wonderful example here is the biblical Tower of Babel.

9. Modernism to Postmodernism

Imagining the Modern City metaphor and the metropolis. We will look at Frank Lloyd Wright: the beauty of the clean line and the 'Organic' curve. Charles Jencks: inventing the Language of Post-Modern Architecture (1977) and our own Harry Seidler: love him or hate him.

10. Where to now

What do Architects have to say about the future?

Intended audience

Anyone with a general interest in philosophy

Prerequisites

None

Delivery style

Lecture/seminar

Materials

Course notes are distributed electronically using Dropbox