Course: Theory of Architecture

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Course title Theory of Architecture
Course code DVU/MTEO
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Seminar
Level of course Master
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 5
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Horáček Martin, doc. PhDr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. Theory and aesthetics of architecture 2. History of architecture vs. theory of architecture 3. Vitruvius - utilitas, firmitas, and venustas 4. Classical humanist treatises on architecture - Leon Battista Alberti 5. Classical humanist treatises on architecture - Andrea Palladio 6. Architecture as a global phenomenon - Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach 7. The origins of architecture - Gottfried Semper 8. Regionalism and constructivism - Viollet-le-Duc 9. Abstraction and/vs. empathy - the avant-garde and Euro-American discourse around 1900 10. Environmentalism in architectural theory - Ladislav Žák 11. Modern humanist debate on architecture around 2000 - Christopher Alexander 12. Deconstruction: Peter Eisenman and/vs. Léon Krier - Two Ideologies 13. A unified theory of architecture in the 21st century - Nikos A. Salingaros

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Group work
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to acquire conceptual and methodological tools for critical reflection on important topics in architectural discourse based on a joint analysis of the work of prominent authors - architectural theorists and aestheticians. Emphasis is placed on the humanistic and classical European interpretation of architectural topics, which can also be used in discussions on heritage values and sustainable building in current and future practice. Specific topics (analyzed authors and their texts) may vary depending on the topics chosen for seminar papers.
Students become familiar with key figures in architectural discourse, gain an understanding of the various historically and individually determined perspectives on architecture, and develop their own methodological tools for the professional interpretation of architecture and the built environment.
Prerequisites
unspecified

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance

A seminar paper on a chosen topic in architectural theory (a critical review of a theoretical text and an introduction to its author).
Recommended literature


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Theory and History of Art (2026) Category: Theory and history of arts 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Theory and History of Art with the Specialization on Heritage Conservation (2026) Category: Theory and history of arts 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter