course-details-portlet

AAR4360

The Theory and History of Architecture B

Credits 7.5
Level Third-year courses, level III
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

The lecture series covers the history and theory of urban design from the origin of cities until today, with a focus on the planning of European cities in the 19th and 20th century.

The subject is the architecture of the city, which is primarily explored in its physical urban form as a complex human artefact. In addition, the course will highlight the inspirations that form the basis for the shape of cities and influence urban development, such as artistic and philosophical concepts, technological progress, as well as social and economic conditions.

By means of selected examples and literature studies, various urban structures are examined. Next to implemented city, urban expansion, and renovation plans, unrealized visions and projects are discussed within their broader context.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidates will gain basic knowledge of the historical development of cities, comprising the Neolithic Age, Anitquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Enlightment, Industrialism, and particularly Modernism, Postmodernism, and Contemporary Urbanism. A focus will also be the critical analysis of urban design theories and principles, as well as their impact on urban development.

Skills: The candidates will acquire an understanding on the interrelationship between different urban structures and societal conditions. This will enable them to explain urban design through changing historic requirements, and to put contemporary urbanism in a historical perspective.

General competence: The candidates will get a comprehension of urban design and planning throughout the ages. They will improve independent thinking, strengthen creativity, and increase responsibility for one’s own learning and professional development. The insights gained will also have a positive impact on the students own architecture and planning projects.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and discussions; studies and reflections of compendium with selected excerpts on the history and theory of urban design.

Further on evaluation

A 4-hour written school exam accounting for 100% of the final grade.

You can register for a re-scheduled examination in the next exam period.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Architecture (MAAR)
Civil Engineering (MTBYGG)
Physical Planning (MFYSPL)

Subject areas

  • Town and Regional Planning
  • Architecture

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Architecture and Planning

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Date 2025-12-16 Time 15:00 Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL311 orange sone
1 candidate
Room SL111 grønn sone
27 candidates
Room SL410 orange sone
58 candidates

Re-sit examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.