Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit employs the methodologies of architectural drawing, modeling and analysis, backed by historical knowledge to undertake experimental reconstructions of lost buildings and urban environments—'forensic architecture'.

Traditionally, architectural history and theory have concerned themselves with the existing—projects that exist as standing buildings, or as more-or-less well-documented unbuilt or demolished buildings. These form the 'landmarks' of our architectural history. Thus, for example, Hagia Sophia and the Pantheon form key 'moments' in this history, not least because they physically exist, and have been extensively documented, so that if they disappeared in a calamity they would still exist as part of the historical record and the canon of architecture as 'Great Moments'. Such projects appear 'permanent', despite the actual transformations that time has made to them. Surviving unbuilt projects similarly convey a finite character that hides the transformations that inevitably would occur if the project had been built, while record photographs and drawings generally depict the monument at one point in time.

But what of monuments and urban configurations which have disappeared, both physically, and from the record? Can they still be considered within the framework of architecture? Perhaps, they might have served as models, exerting enormous influence on later architecture. Thus, we have the historic example of San Marco in Venice, whereas we have lost the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, which its builders emulated. In such cases, frequently the only evidence can be supplied by archaeology and by ancient textual descriptions, from which scholars must interpret and hypothesise. For such tasks, the methodology of architecture—the understanding of structure, space and spatial narrative—the movement through environments—can often be an effective tool. Thus, architectural methods have been used within or in collaboration with other disciplines in research projects, notably with historians and archaeologists in studying the ways in which urban environments and architectural ensembles (evidence of material culture) have developed and transformed. Furthermore, current digital technologies can be used both to extract evidence from historical representations, and to simulate the temporal environment created by spatial sequences through which rituals might proceed.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) develop knowledge of digital and manual drawing techniques which can be used in an exploratory manner to extract information from a range of source documents on urban structures and environments and (2) develop skills in cross-disciplinary research, using historical, archaeological and architectural evidence in a cross-disciplinary methodology to gain insight into urban and architectural structures.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research report; (2) digital modelling of data; and (3) hypothetical reconstruction of lost architectural complex. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Nigel Westbrook
Contact hours
seminars: 3 hours per week for up to 12 weeks
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.