An architectural (hi)story told by twelve buildings

The 20th century, its society, and its cultural achievements are defined by the rapid development of new technological possibilities. As a consequence, fundamental innovations also took place in the field of architecture. Building materials, building construction, building tasks and building processes changed. These then inspired experiments with space and composition, which eventually led to a general transformation of the means of expression and the design intent in architecture.

Using twelve selected individual buildings as examples, the lecture shows how architecture reacts to the innovations of the 20th century and puts them into service. The thorough examination of a specific and prominent architecural example will ensure that, during the examination of time-specific innovations, the general understanding of the constant principles at play will not get lost. In looking at all that is new, awareness is being raised for what remains and endures in architecture, thus helping to understand the fundamental, timeless questions, the answers to which can be found with the help of different means according to each respective time period.

At the end of the semester, the lecture series will conclude with an oral examination offered in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Historic Building Research. All examination requirements will be communicated during the lectures.