75372 - History of Architectural Processes and Technques M

Course contents

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge of the history of architectural techniques and processes from the classical era to contemporary architecture.

The course will explore how the evolution of architectural techniques has influenced the history of architecture and how the relationship between material and idea, as well as between technical requirements and expressive possibilities, has led to different forms across cultures.

A critical analysis of historical developments will be proposed, taking into account the contexts in which movements emerged.

The first module will introduce the topic on a global scale, with an in-depth focus on specific case studies of particular interest.
The second module will be more monographic and workshop-based while maintaining a constant reference to previously covered content to reinforce learning.

A critical reading of historical developments is encouraged, considering the contexts in which movements evolved.

The course content will be divided into two modules as follows:

Module 1

• Introduction and tools for the study of the subject
• History of techniques and processes: (Ancient, Early Christian, Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Enlightenment, Modern)

Module 2

• Tools for contextual and multidisciplinary analysis
• Case study analysis (the arch, the spherical shape, iron and glass, concrete, typological architecture)

Readings/Bibliography

The following texts are recommended as study support and exam preparation tools:

• Giorgio Cricco, Francesco Paolo Di Teodoro, Itinerario nell'arte, Yellow Edition, Zanichelli, Bologna 2016
• Cirillo Atzeni, Giorgio Pia, Ulrico Sanna, I materiali dell'edilizia storica. Storia, tecnologia, applicazioni, Rome, Aracne, 2010

Any version or edition of these texts is accepted.

Additional teaching materials will be available on the virtual platform following the course schedule.

During the lessons, the necessary content for exam preparation will be explained in detail.

Teaching methods

The course will alternate between traditional lectures and seminar sessions, where students will be encouraged to analyze specific issues in groups.

At the end of each unit, a review and assessment of learning will be conducted in preparation for the exam.

Active participation in lessons will be positively evaluated, and students are encouraged to critically engage with the course content.

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of an oral interview, covering both a case study chosen by the student and questions posed by the instructor.
Students will be required to prepare an in-depth analysis of a chosen case, which may be one discussed in class or an external one. The presentation should clearly reference topics covered during the course.

The necessary content for exam preparation will be further clarified during the lessons.

Teaching tools

Slide presentations shown during lectures, containing key images and course points

Additional materials (texts, videos, images) for exam preparation and seminar activities will be provided at the end of the lessons

Office hours

See the website of Elena Ramazza