4.295
Asia Modern
Instructor: Rahul Mehrotra
Telephone: 617-324-5642
Office:
10-461M
Send e-mail: rahulm@mit.edu
Units: 3-0-6
Level: H
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
Subject Overview:
This seminar course will examine the advent of modernism in Asia and its present as well as emergent manifestations in Architecture and Urbanism. Theoretical writings and built work together with case studies of architectural practices in the region will become the basis for examining and understanding the contemporary architectural and urban landscapes of Asia. The themes that will be critically discussed in the course will include – notions of modernity, critical regionalism, vernacularism, tropicalism, alternative or counter-modernity, historic preservation, nationalism and issues of architectural identity. In addition , issues related to the emergent urban landscapes in Asia such as informal urbanism, sustainabilty and fundamental questions about emergent urban forms will be covered.
Learning Objectives:
The course will be structured around a set of themes that will be used to examine the emergent forms of architecture and urbanism in Asia. While lectures will be used to explore and illustrate some issues, the course will largely focus on discussions. To clarify – the course is not a survey of contemporary architecture in Asia but a critical examination of modernity and modernism as it evolves through the filter of traditional as well as contemporary cultures in Asia.
Completion Requirements:
The following will be required in addition to class discussions, which is crucial to the aims of this seminar course:
- Lead a discussion in one of the sessions (or part of a session) in the course. This will involve reviewing two selected readings from the syllabus presenting these readings as well as conducting a discussion with the rest of the class on the issues covered. The review will also have to be presented in a written form (500 to 1,000 words). The selection of the reading for the review and presentation would be finalized in consultation with the instructor or will be assigned by the instructor depending on the size of the class.
- A paper (3,000 to 5,000 words double spaced) on an issue or contemporary architecture practice in Asia. The paper should not focus on a survey of the contemporary scene but rather critically examine a practice or an issue (or several issues), which inform our reading of the emergent Asian architectural and urban landscape with particular reference to the notion of the ‘modern’ in that context.
The final topic of the paper should be evolved in discussion and consultation with the instructor and should be selected by the third week of the course – so that it can be discussed and developed with the participation of the entire class. Students will present the final paper with images in class, and would be expected to handout a summary to the class – which contains an outline of the paper covering key issues and themes explored, as well as a bibliography.
Grading:
The paper and presentations will comprise 50% of the grade (late papers will be graded down one entire grade). The remaining 50% will be based on class participation and the review of readings and leading the discussion for the assigned session.
