In the seminar, selected texts on architectural theory and monument preservation are read together and discussed in plenary. The focus is on selected writings from John Ruskin, Gottfried Semper and Friedrich Nietzsche to Alois Riegl and Adolf Loos to Walter Benjamin, Aleida Assmann and Peter Zumthor.
Learning objective
Skills in reading complex theoretical and literary writings on architecture and monument preservation are taught. With increasing practice, these enable participants to undertake an independent appropriation of architectural theory and monument preservation content.
Content
The writings on architectural theory and historic preservation discussed in the seminar provide an overview of the most important theories and concepts of historic preservation. Ruskin’s narrative of architectural historicity, Semper’s conception of “Bekleidung” and Nietzsche’s transformation of mythology are covered, as are Riegl’s notions of “Erinnerungswert” and “Gegenwartswert”, Loos’ writings on architecture, Benjanmin’s notion of aura and Aleida Assmann’s memory space as well as Peter Zumthor's atmosphere. Each text is discussed in terms of textual structure, conceptual history, visual language, relationship to poetry and literature, strategies of theory, etc. Identifying the levels and intersections that link a theory with other theories characterises one of the main tasks of our seminar.
Literature
Alois Riegl, Der moderne Denkmalkultus. Sein Wesen und seine Bedeutung, Wien / Leipzig 1903. Norbert Huse (ed.), Denkmalpflege: Deutsche Texte aus drei Jahrhunderten, Munich 1984. Fritz Neumeyer, Quellentexte zur Architekturtheorie. Nachdenken über Architektur, Munich 2002. Ákos Moravánszky, Architekturtheorie im 20. Jahrhundert. Eine kritische Anthologie, Vienna 2003. John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice, 3 vol., London 1851.
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
assessed
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
assessed
Decision-making
assessed
Problem-solving
assessed
Social Competencies
Communication
fostered
Cooperation and Teamwork
fostered
Leadership and Responsibility
fostered
Self-presentation and Social Influence
fostered
Sensitivity to Diversity
fostered
Negotiation
fostered
Personal Competencies
Adaptability and Flexibility
fostered
Creative Thinking
assessed
Critical Thinking
assessed
Integrity and Work Ethics
assessed
Self-awareness and Self-reflection
assessed
Self-direction and Self-management
fostered
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course