In the MAS/CAS seminar, we will critically discuss values and meanings relevant within the field of architecture. This will be done by examining and comparing the values of buildings as well as evaluation criteria of various actors – such as preservation authorities, architects, the real estate industry, or property owners.
Learning objective
The students of this seminar will gain insight into different evaluation criteria and value systems within the larger field of preservation. Through various exercises, they learn to critically question current approaches to existing buildings, which are all too often characterized by demolition and replacement. The students will gain knowledge about lines of argumentation necessary to standing their ground in discussions with private or institutional clients. In addition to different assessment criteria for the preservation of historical monuments, they will learn the basics of life cycle analysis, calculation methods for determining grey energy and CO2 content, as well as the feasibility and usefulness of reuse and recycling of building materials.
Content
In the evaluation of the existing building stock, approaches vary substantially. While the institutional preservation of historical monuments is oriented towards a broad canon of values, architects evaluate these objects primarily according to shape and design, and more recently also according to resource-economic criteria. For the real estate industry, in turn, what seems to be decisive is primarily the market value (not only of the object, but of the building site above all), and for building owners it is the utility or resale value of a property. While buildings protected as monuments are widely recognized as cultural heritage, the large building stock of the second half of the 20th century is often considered unattractive and its maintenance or upgrading a costly imposition. However, it is precisely this stock that holds great potential, as it generally allows more possibilities for use and change than protected objects. In case of demolition, individual components of these buildings can possibly be reused. The discussion about values, protection and preservation of the existing building stock is complex and must be conducted on different levels. In addition to classic protection criteria, ecological and economic considerations, too, must be taken into account.
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
fostered
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
fostered
Decision-making
fostered
Problem-solving
fostered
Social Competencies
Communication
fostered
Sensitivity to Diversity
fostered
Negotiation
fostered
Personal Competencies
Adaptability and Flexibility
fostered
Creative Thinking
fostered
Critical Thinking
fostered
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course