Ideas in Architecture Theory

Arbour: Research Initiatives in Architecture

 

will run the second cycle of its six-month seminar/teaching programme

 

Ideas in Architecture Theory

 

This programme aims at providing a set of ideas and methodological tools to approach a critical understanding of architecture. The field of architecture will be discussed not only within certain historical conditions, but also as perceived and discussed through the scope of its own practice, visual theory, cultural studies and philosophical locations. Architecture as it is constructed lives a material life, but by nature of its own existence is a field of experience, geography, identity, beauty, time, memory and certain other such concepts. At the same time architecture also struggles between object-hood and its anti-object nature. This introductory seminar will lay out the ground from which many questions could be generated, which could be tackled at various levels and with different intensities later on in the practice of an architectural professional, historian, thinker, critic, teacher or journalist, or for those who may be interested in the field of architecture through their own fields of interest and expertise.

The seminar is designed within 2 basic brackets – ‘Architecture History’ and ‘Approaches to Architecture’. ‘Architecture History’ does not deal with a chronology of architectural types, styles or samples, but basically discusses ideas related to architectural practice and thinking that have been closely related to particular historical conditions and/or events. On the other hand, ‘Approaches to Architecture’, as the name suggests, wishes to map a selection of methodologies that have been employed to understand, critique, analyze, and evaluate architecture. From looking at ideas in Visual Studies and the role of criticism, to questions of Colonialism and Modernism, to reading texts by the likes of Kracauer and Lefebvre, and dealing with topics like Body & Space, Memory & Dwelling, Representation & Voice to also hearing architects discuss architectural projects, the course will structure a range of issues and ideas in a cohesive format. The aim is to finally contextualize the debates and concerns in architectural practice in contemporary India, while being conscious of how international and global exchanges have always been a part of any field, and understanding that ideas in the world of theory often assume an all-pervading image.

‘Writing’ will be an important component of the seminar programme.

The seminar programme is conducted through modules (4 sessions) around particular conceptual frameworks.

Schedules: The programme runs every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, starting 16 January, through 20 June, 2012 (about 23 weeks)

Resource Scholars: Scholars and practitioners from the world of Architecture, Art History, Theory and Criticism, Visual Studies, Cultural Studies, etc. will be teaching at the course; those involved with the seminar include Sen Kapadia, Venkatesh Rao, Mustansir Dalvi, Shimul Jhaveri-Kadri, Ranjit Hoskote, Nancy Adajania,  George Jose, Shilpa Ranade, Rajiv Thakker, Abhay Sardesai, Sudhir Patwardhan, Shilpa & Pinkish Shah, Rahul Gore, Sonal Sancheti, Ainsley Lewis, Nuru Karim, Ashok Sukumaran, Suprio Bhatacharjee, Kaiwan Mehta and also some others.

Admission Eligibility: All graduates from Architecture or Art History can apply with their CV.

Graduates in subjects other than the two mentioned above can apply with their CV and a short interest-indication paper or a writing sample.

Students of 4th and 5th year Bachelor of Architecture course can apply with a CV and a writing sample.

An informal meeting with the director will take place before you enroll.

Number of student-participants: Maximum 15 nos.

Fees: INR 16,000/- (inclusive of basic reading material)