ARCH-2130

Contemporary Design Approaches

Contemporary practices in architecture are examined and used as foils in order to better understand one’s own individual approach to design. The point is to help uncover some of the self-evidently “true” presuppositions that we all make when we design. By knowing what we take for granted and knowing also that others work with presuppositions which may be substantively different from our own, we begin to realize both our ability to exercise choices and our responsibility to think through the consequences of those choices. Each of the approaches is explored as to its ontological, epistemological, value, and methodological presuppositions. Two very direct questions help in this reflection: What relation does the given approach have to the formative conditions of the contemporary city? and, How does each of the design approaches relate to the American experiences in thought and action? Prerequisite ARCH-2120. Fall term annually.

2 credit hours