4.205
Analysis of Contemporary Architecture
Instructor: Dan Cheng ta Chen
Room: 9-222
Phone: 617-324-5644
danchen@mit.edu
Units: 3-0-9
Level: U
Prerequisites:
The goal of this course is to investigate the background of some of the pivotal events that have shaped our understanding and approach to architecture. Buildings and works of individual architects will be the primary emphasis of discussions. Canonical architects, buildings and movements that have exerted significant influences on the development of architecture will be studied in detail. We will visit some of these buildings for a first hand look and evaluation of their significance or lack thereof. As a final project, each student will analyze a building through drawings, text, bibliography and a physical model in a format ready for documentation.
There will be weekly readings assigned prior to class that will provide students with the background for in class discussion. Active student participation is required. Students will come to each class prepared with essay questions related to that week’s reading.
Gaining an insight to the canonical architectural works and movements in the past will give the students an opportunity to place their own design ideas within the architectural tradition. “The buildings of the past are studied so that the student will acquire from their significance and greatness a sense for genuine architectural values, and because their dependence upon a specific historical situation must awaken in him an understanding for the necessity of his own architectural achievement.” Mies van der Rohe. Not only will a larger visual vocabulary enable students to communicate more effectively about design, it will also aid in developing their own design ideas in studio.
The format of the course will be short film documentaries, lectures, in class Q&A, discussions, assigned weekly readings and onsite building visits. There will be no final exam; instead, there will be a final class project. Class attendance is mandatory.
