University of Miami School of Architecture

ARC 584  
A Critical History of Contemporary Architecture:
From High Tech and Decon to Classicism and the Neo-Vernacular

3 Credits, Spring 2009, Section JX, Mondays 6.25-9.05 pm

Dr Richard John (rjohn@miami.edu)

Selected lecture images for review :

Quiz 1
Thomas Gordon Smith / Norman Foster
John Simpson / Richard Rogers
Demetri Porphyrios / Bernard Tschumi

Quiz 2
Allan Greenberg / Jean Nouvel
Tom Beeby / Renzo Piano
Quinlan Terry / Rem Koolhaas

Quiz 3
Robert A.M. Stern / Nicholas Grimshaw
Michael Graves / Frank Gehry
Leon Krier / Herzog de Meuron
John Outram / Santiago Calatrava

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ARC584

Course Syllabus

Catalog Description:
Focus: History and Theory of Contemporary Architecture
Topics: Secular and religious buildings and their context, domestic architecture and urban infrastructure
Format: Lectures and seminars

General Description:    Though the professional architectural press hardly acknowledges it, there are, broadly speaking, two movements in contemporary architecture which are currently vying for the mantle of the avant garde. Both have their roots in historical traditions: one draws inspiration from the Modern Movement of the twentieth century, while the other harks back to the longer tradition of Western Classicism. This lecture course will adopt a radically revisionist approach to the recent history of architecture by focusing on the all the major architectural idioms which have come to flourish in Europe and America following the collapse of Post-Modernism, including High Tech, Deconstructivism, the Classical revival and regional vernaculars. The approach will be primarily monographic, looking at the work of the following architects amongst others (sequence and content subject to alteration):

Educational Objectives
To familiarize students with the aesthetic, economic, social and political influences on the development of contemporary architectural and urban form. To foster an understanding of diverse approaches to design with a view to enhancing students’ abilities in the studio. To improve communication skills in both speaking and writing about architecture.

Instructional Method
The class will meet regularly for an illustrated lecture or seminar. Students will be expected to complete any required readings in advance of the lectures or seminars. Three multiple choice quizzes will be held.

Term Project
All students will be required to complete two assignments: a presentation and a final paper. Each student will make a presentation of the material for their final paper in seminar sessions during the last weeks of the semester.
For the term project you are required to undertake the in-depth study of a contemporary architect or a practitioner of an ancillary art (mural painter, sculptor, landscape architect or interior designer). You should not choose one of those listed above. Some suggested topics might include: Will Alsop; Zaha Hadid; Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil; Julian Bicknell; Hartmann Cox; Ray Kaskey; Lincoln Perry; Alexander Stoddart;

Choice of Research Topic approved by 9 March
Annotated bibliography due by 30 March
Final paper due at the end of the semester (13 May).
Length of final paper: 3000 words.

Attendance Policy       The University of Miami has no provisions for unexcused absences. Attendance at all Classes is expected. All excuses are to be submitted in writing for approval

Grading Policy
The final grade will be achieved using the following weightings: 
Presentation 35%;
Final paper 35%;
Quizzes 30% (10% for each quiz)

Class sessions (note new dates for quizzes):
26 January
2 February
9 February
16 February
23 February: Quiz
2 March
9 March: Choice of Research Topic approved
16 March: SPRING BREAK
23 March: Quiz
30 March: Annotated Bibliographies due
6 April:
13 April: Quiz
20 April: Student Presentations
27 April: Student Presentations
13 May: Papers Due

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