Art and Society Lecture 1

Lecture Notes: History and Theory of Architecture at Deakin University

1. Acknowledgment and Introduction

   • Begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land.

   • Welcome students to the history and theory of architecture unit at Deakin University.

2. Importance of Studying History and Theory

   • Understanding the past is essential to predict and influence the future of architecture.

   • Identifying past mistakes can inform current design practices.

   • Studying historical buildings offers inspiration for future designs.

3. Connections to Identity

   • Individual identity is tied to cultural and historical contexts.

   • Architecture is similarly rooted in history, reflecting the evolution of society.

4. Case Study: Waterfront Campus of Deakin University

   • Originally built as a flour mill, then a Ford factory, now an architecture campus.

   • Adaptation of buildings through time illustrates changes in use and design.

   • Building adaptation signifies a continuation of history, maintaining fragments of past memories.

   • Significance of materials used (e.g., red brick) in understanding historical designs.

5. Architecture as a Lens

   • Architecture is not merely physical structures but a reflection of culture, politics, and society.

   • Examining different global examples (Stonehenge, Pantheon, Guggenheim Museum) to analyze architectural languages across eras.

   • The concept of tectonics: how materials and structural systems shape architectural forms.

6. Cultural and Civilizational Contexts

   • Exploration of major civilizations (e.g., Egyptian, Mesopotamian) and their architectural achievements.

   • The influence of worldview on architecture and its manifestation in different contexts.

   • The necessity of considering geography, technology, culture, and purpose in architectural studies.

7. Assessments and Learning Activities

   • Assessment Task 1: Journal - documenting weekly learnings through sketches and annotations.

     • Annotations should focus on observations and thoughts rather than long essays. A maximum of 250 words is recommended for annotations.

     • Sketches can represent anything discussed, such as building concepts, historical references, or personal architectural inspirations.

   • Assessment Task 2: Group presentation on selected architecture topics.

   • Assessment Task 3: 500-word essay describing personal insights on architecture.

8. Concluding Thoughts

   • Emphasize the value of historical knowledge to foster creativity in architecture.

   • Encourage critical thinking when learning about architecture and its historical contexts.

   • Architecture should be viewed as interconnected with the past, present, and future.