Architecture Theory: Contemporary Contexts unit (KDA338)

Introduction

In this unit, students will grapple with contemporary theories and contexts, and how Architecture as a profession and as a product responds to those ideas. Students will begin by interrogating Critical Architecture theories, developing an understanding of where architecture theory has been and where it is now, and how theory relates to discipline and practice. From that foundation, students will use Tasmania as a case study and lens through which to investigate social, political, cultural, and ecological contexts in this post-colonial era. Throughout, students will gain awareness of how to work effectively with colleagues through in-class work, assessment tasks, and reflection exercises. At the end of the unit, students will have a toolkit for understanding how architecture as a discipline can interrogate, reify, dismantle, and respond to the social, political, and ecological contexts of the 21st century. This is one of a stream of Bachelor of Architecture and Built Environments Architecture Theory units, which focus on establishing and enhancing students’ capacity to think with clarity and rigour to ensure solid bases for research inquiry and design practice. At Advanced level, the units concentrate on building understandings of and attitudes towards the present and forecasted futures of Architecture and your role in the field and profession.

Summary

Unit name	Architecture Theory: Contemporary Contexts
Unit code	KDA338
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Architecture and Design
Discipline	Architecture & Design
Coordinator	Doctor Georgia Lindsay
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate critical architecture theories that inform professional practices
• Appraise post-colonial ideas and ecological conditions as a context for design interventions
• Create varied artefacts using a balance of words and images to communicate critical issues’ impact on design

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KDA235 and KDA241

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	13 x weekly 60-minute online modules, 13 x weekly 180-minute workshops
Assessment	Portfolio (30%)|Debate and Reflection (35%)|Design Brief (35%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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