Christian Posthofen: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021

Name	Mr Christian Posthofen
Address	Professur f. Architekt. u. Entwurf ETH Zürich, HIL G 57 Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5 8093 Zürich SWITZERLAND
E-mail	posthofen@arch.ethz.ch
Department	Architecture
Relationship	Lecturer

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
052-0518-21L	Theory and Practice: Special Turn and Immaterial Space Joseph Beuys versus René Descartes	2 credits	2G	C. Posthofen, A. Brandlhuber
Abstract	Both the rationalism of "radical doubt" in Rene´ Descartes and the "understanding" in Beuys' sense of "standing somewhere else" have philosophical-aesthetic roots and spatial-theoretical and spatial-practical consequences. In dealing with this, the students work on their own position on spatial theory, whereby material and immaterial spatial aspects play a role.
Objective	The students gain insight into the spectrum of epistemological and perceptual theories, learn to read them and analyze and critique their respective requirements. From this work an object relationship model is developing in progress, which serves self-examination in the design process as well as the evaluation of architectural situations in general and in particular. The writing of "scientific diaries" in which the contents of the colloquium are combined with the everyday experience of the students in free form, trains the concentrated result-oriented thinking in general, as well as in architectural situations. The special form of the writing of the "cientific diary" leads abstract theory together with the experience of the students and make the knowledge cratively available in their own way.
Content	Special turn and immaterial space. Joseph Beuys “how I explain art to the dead rabbit” versus Rene ‘Descartes“ I think therefore I am ”. Reflections and exercises on the aesthetics of the room. Both the rationalism of "radical doubt" in Rene 'Descartes, as also about "understanding" in the Beuysian sense of "standing somewhere else" have philosophical-aesthetic roots and spatial theory and practical consequences. In dispute a.o. with these opposing positions, the seminar participants worked on one own spatial theory position. Both material and intangible spatial aspects play a role.
Lecture notes	Hand out at the first meeting.
Literature	Rene’Descartes, Meditations, Felix Meiner Verlag, Hamburg 2009; Volker Harland, What is Art? Workshop talk with Beuys, Urachhaus Verlag, Stuttgart 2001; Harlan, Rappmann, Schata, Soziale Plastik - Material zu Joseph Beuys, Achberger Verlag, Achberg 1984.