Course content

The course introduces the wider cultural context of architecture and architectural design, with emphasis on theoretical frameworks and interdisciplinary discourses that support critical and affirmative engagement with circular transformation of the built environment. With a particular focus on aesthetics, ethics of care, and new forms of materialism, the course explores fields of knowledge relevant to experimental spatial practices grounded in artistic research.

Through lectures, seminars and a series of creative writing assignments, the course provides a platform for exploration of the theme framing the design studio work in a given year. It cultivates the ability to work with literature and projects of diverse kinds for enhancing the comprehension of current disciplinary challenges and the ways that experimental artistic practices can respond to these. During the semester, a comprehensive piece of writing is developed that reflectively and discursively explores the processes of artistic research unfolding in the design studio and their implications for the architectural project.

When choosing the AAR4690 Circular Studio - Transformation and experiment, AAR4698 - Experimantal practice is a mandatory knowledge topic.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The student acquires knowledge of current theoretical frameworks, debates and positions through the study of literature and projects from a variety of academic and non-academic disciplines and knowledge areas.

The student gains insight into the multiple ways in which diverse interdisciplinary theories and practices inform and support architectural design and thinking towards circular forms of care-based practice.

The student develops an understanding of the relation between theory and practice with a focus on aesthetic enquiry as integral to sustainable transformation of the built environment.

Skills:

The student critically researches and evaluates theoretical knowledge from diverse fields and sets these in relation to the practice and culture of architectural design and thinking.

The student concisely articulates a research question and coherently argues a theoretical position in original written work complying with academic standards.

The student synthesizes information and applies knowledge to develop a theoretical framework for their own design studio project.

General competence:

The student takes responsibility for their own learning and academic development.

The student reflects critically and ethically on their own practice and its wider impact.

Learning methods and activities

Learning takes place through lectures, seminars, and written assignments where students work independently as well as collaboratively to explore the theoretical, practical, and creative dimensions of architecture as an art-based academic discipline. Homework consists of a series of written assignments, peer-reviewing of draft submissions, and focused reading of course literature from a variety of sources. In-class activities consist of plenum discussions, presentations, and creative writing experiments.

This course is offered to incoming exchange students and will be taught in English.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Completed three years basic courses in architecture, bachelor's degree in architecture, or equivalent.

Students in MAAR program: The student must have met the progression requirements outlined in the study plan description for the integrated five-year Master’s program in Architecture and has successfully completed all compulsory design studio courses during the first three years of architectural studies at NTNU or an equivalent accredited institution.

Course materials

Academic and non-academic literature; examples from art, architecture, and other relevant fields of knowledge and practice.