The theme of the “modern” in architecture will run through the course, and we will
... William J.R. Curtis, Modern Architecture Since 1900, 3rd. Edition (London: ...
Modern Architecture and Theory
Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, Alcoa Building and Maritime Plaza, San Francisco, 1964
Architecture 309 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:35am-11:50pm, Carpenter Hall, Room 102 Washington State University / Fall 2012 Course Website: http://sdc.wsu.edu/classes/arch309 Associate Professor: Phil Gruen Office Hours: Tuesdays, 3:00pm-5:00pm, Carpenter Hall, Room 532 Email / Phone:
[email protected] / 509.335.2309 Teaching Assistant: Mishka Morgus Office Hours: Tuesdays, 12:00pm-2:00pm, Carpenter Hall, Graduate Studio, 4th Floor South Email:
[email protected] Teaching Assistant: Sara Strouse Office Hours: Thursdays, 12:00pm-2:00pm, Carpenter Hall, Graduate Studio, 4th Floor South Email:
[email protected] Teaching Assistant: Tory Finlon Teaching Assistant: Angela Hetrick
Course Description This course will provide a grounding to some of the major architects, buildings, and theories of modernism— precedents and ideas that still inform practice today. The theme of the “modern” in architecture will run through the course, and we will explore (and question) this theme in its myriad manifestations: stylistic, technological, material, ideological, political, and theoretical. To provide a foundation for our understanding of the modern, we will begin in the nineteenth century; to track its alleged decline, we will discuss and question the rise of architectural “postmodernism” in the 1960s and 70s; to suggest its enduring power, we will examine some projects and architects in the early twenty-first century, from the exploding cities in Asia to issues of sustainability that affect architectural design today. This course will focus on a number of particularly important architects, theories, and buildings that have shaped the direction of modern architecture. But these architects and ideas will not be examined in isolation—we will attempt to understand the built environment within its social, cultural, political, economic, and theoretical context. We will also examine building types, theories, media, and processes that fall outside the canonical tenets of high-modernism, but which have nonetheless exerted a powerful influence on architectural modernism. This includes mass production, suburban sprawl, tourism, exhibitions, transportation systems, marketing practices, photography, the legacy of colonialism, and utopian environments offering blueprints for alternative means of living. While the course will be weighted towards developments in the western world, we will also explore the adoption, impact, adaptation, reformulation, or rejection of European modernist ideas in the non-western world. As this course is integrated with the third-year architecture study tour (in 2012, that trip will be heading to the San Francisco Bay Area), there will be lectures and assignment(s) directed towards it. Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes Students in this course will receive a basic grounding of some of the seminal architects, sites, theories, and urban issues that surround the notion of the “modern,” but the principal idea is that students will question the idea of the “modern” and begin to recognize its complexity. If students come out with many possible definitions for this slippery term, they have begun to understand it. Beyond that, students will learn to think critically about contemporary architecture in ways that extend far beyond issues of “style” and aesthetics, and will hone their writing skills with assignments and exams that test their ability to complicate assumed knowledge about the built environment. By understanding architectural within its larger political and cultural milieu, students will learn that buildings cannot be easily understood apart from their context. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Recommended Readings (available at Crimson & Gray and the Bookie; also on reserve in the Owen Science and Engineering Library): Overview text William J.R. Curtis, Modern Architecture Since 1900, 3rd. Edition (London: Phaidon, 1995). Theory text Henry Francis Mallgrave and Christina Contandriopoulos, eds., Architectural Theory, Volume II, An Anthology from 1871-2005 (Malden, Mass.: Blackwell Publishing, 2008). Please Note There may be additional in-class handouts, pdfs sent to your email, or web links that you will be expected to read, and material from them may be included in assignments or exams.
2
Course Requirements Exams: There will be at least one quiz, one midterm, and a final exam. The midterm and the final likely will be drawn from lecture material, but the the readings will play an important supporting role. Writing Assignments: There will be writing assignments that will ask you to synthesize broad course themes and theories. These assignment may be related to your recommended reading, course lectures, and/or integrated with the study tour. The writing assignments are crucial to the success of the class class, and their relative importance is reflected in the percentages of the overall course grade dedicated to them. More instructions will be provided with the assignments themselves. Grading Breakdown (approximate) Study Tour Assignment: 25 percent (total) Contemporary Writing: 15 percent Quizzes: 10 percent (total) Midterm: 25 percent Final Exam: 25 percent You must attempt to complete every assignment in this class, and all assignments must be completed and turned in before the start of the final exam. Failure to complete any assignment (or exam) by that time will result in a failing grade for the course. Please note that the grading breakdown is approximate and that other factors may affect your grade, including poor attendance and/or disruptive behavior (see below). Attendance: Faithful attendance is expected, and excessive unexcused absences (three or more) will be noted and may affect your final grade. A sign-in sheet will circulate the class for every regular lecture, so be sure to sign it before exiting the classroom that day—please do not ask to sign the sheet retroactively, and do not ask others to sign the sheet for you (discovery of the latter will affect your grade in unfortunate ways). Only extenuating circumstances will be considered if you must miss an exam, quiz, or are late turning in an assignment. Should such circumstances arise, you must contact the teaching assistant(s) immediately in writing (email acceptable). Failure to do so will result in a failing grade for the exam or quiz and the assignment in question will be deducted accordingly. While notes from medical personnel are not required, according to WSU Academic Regulation # 73 (Office of the Registrar), students who attempt to gain advantage through abuse of this policy (e.g., by providing an instructor with false information) may be referred to the Office of Student Standards and Accountability for disciplinary action. Wireless Internet/Cell Phone Rules: You may use your personal computer in class only for note-taking, or for accessing the course website. However, surfing the web, “Facebooking,” texting, checking email, twittering, video games, solitaire, downloading apps, or anything not related to the lecture material during class time is absolutely prohibited. The same goes for the use of cell phones (which must be turned off), iPhones, Droids, iPods, iPads, mp3 players, and any other electronic device, phone, or wireless-related activity. No headphones, smart phones, Bluetooth devices… nothing. Each infraction will result in the drop of a full letter grade for your final grade, and you may be subjected to further disciplinary action. Even glancing at your phone to see who called, texted, or emailed will be result in the same penalty. There will be a zero tolerance policy. Lateness: Please be seated and ready to begin at 10:35am. There are often important announcements at the beginning of class that I do not wish to repeat. Excessive and/or repeated lateness may affect your final grade, and late students also may necessitate lectures running beyond the “bell” at 11:50am. Talking in Class/Disruptive Behavior: Please do not talk to your friends or classmates during the lecture. It is disrespectful to the instructor as well as to those around you. If you feel the need to talk, please do not come to class. Also, please do not make excessive noise as class is winding down (putting notes away, zipping up backpacks, etc.). I will do my best to finish on time; there is no need to hurry out. If you must
3
leave class early and you know this ahead of time, please sit in the front of the room so as to be less distracting to others. Finally, please avoid the use of the bathroom unless it is an emergency. As the doors are in the front of the room in Carpenter Hall 102, every student who walks in and out is a distraction to the entire class. Any violation of this class etiquette may affect your final grade. Academic Integrity and Honesty: As an institution of higher education, Washington State University is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. All members of the university community share the responsibility for maintaining and supporting these principles. When a student enrolls in Washington State University, the student assumes an obligation to pursue academic endeavors in a manner consistent with the standards of academic integrity adopted by the university. To maintain the academic integrity of the community, the university cannot tolerate acts of academic dishonesty. This includes any forms of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication. Academic dishonesty is a violation of the student’s obligation to behave in a manner consistent with respect for the university community and the academic process, the student’s personal honor, and the rights of other students and faculty. Washington State University reserves the right and the power to discipline or to exclude students who engage in academic dishonesty. Violations of academic integrity will be adjudicated according to university policies and procedures. The WSU policy on academic dishonesty is published in the Washington State University Student Handbook: www.conduct.wsu.edu/academicIntegrity.asp. The penalty for a violation of academic integrity on any exam or assignment in Architecture 309 will be a failing grade on that particular exam or assignment and could result in a failing course grade and/or dismissal from the university. Statement Regarding School Policies: The School of Design and Construction at Washington State University is committed to providing its students with an exceptional educational experience. Our student population comes from diverse social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds from throughout the United States and many foreign countries. As part of our commitment, we have established a series of school policies, which you are required to read and abide by. All school policies may be accessed through the school webpage at: www.acm.wsu.edu. School policies are supplemental to other policies and procedures of the college and the university. University policies are outlined in the University’s General Catalog. Students should become familiar with the General Catalog for the year in which they entered WSU as the General Catalog establishes university guidelines, policies and expectations for WSU students. Safety: WSU has developed a resource in support of its commitment to the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors. Students are encouraged to review the Campus Safety Plan (http://safetyplan.wsu.edu) and the university emergency website (http://oem.wsu.edu/emergencies). Additionally, students should also become familiar with the WSU ALERT site (http://alert.wsu.edu), which provides information about emergencies and other issues affecting WSU. This site also provides information on the communication resources WSU will use to provide warning and notification during emergencies. It should be bookmarked on computers. Finally, all students should go to the myWSU portal at http://my.wsu.edu and register their emergency contact information for the Crisis Communication System (CCS). Enter your network ID and password and you will be taken to the myWSU main webpage. Look for the Emergency Notification box on the right side of the page and click on “Register.” You will be taken to the registration page where you can enter your cell phone number (and/or landline number), as well as your email contact information. Students with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please visit or call the Access Center (Washington Building 217; 509-335-3417) to schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor. All accommodations MUST be approved through the Access Center.
4
LECTURES / TESTS* Week One Aug. 21 Introduction Aug. 23 The Tall Office Building Artistically Considered
Week Two Aug. 28 Make No Little Plans: The City Beautiful Aug. 30
The Tourist City
Week Three Sept. 4 Bungalow Craft Sept. 6
Chinatown and the Exotic City
READINGS / ASSIGNMENTS**
Modern Architecture Since 1900: Introduction and Chapters 1 & 2 (on the 19th century and skyscrapers, urbanization, and industrialization) Architectural Theory: pp. 66-67 (Nietzsche); pp. 126-27 (Sullivan)
Modern Architecture Since 1900: Continue reading Chapter 2. Architectural Theory: pp. 60-61 (Schuyler) SF Bay Area Study Tour Prep Assignment #1 Selection Modern Architecture Since 1900: pp. 87-96 (on Morris, Arts and Crafts, and the Gamble House) Architectural Theory: pp. 15-17 (Morris) Possible handouts for this lecture
Week Four Sept. 11 SF Bay Area Study Tour Sept. 13 SF Bay Area Study Tour Week Five Sept. 18 Responses to Modernity: Glasgow and Vienna
Modern Architecture Since 1900: pp. 63-66 (on Mackintosh and Viennese connections) Architectural Theory: pp. 246-47 (Pevsner)
Sept. 20 The Question of Ornament: Modernity or Tradition?
Modern Architecture Since 1900: pp. 66-71 (on Vienna) and pp. 98-104 (on Muthesius and Behrens) Architectural Theory: pp. 93-95 (Wagner); pp. 104-105 (Loos)
Week Six Sept. 25 Quiz #1 / The Craft of Industry: Muthesius and Behrens Sept. 27 A New Faith: The Werkbund, the Bauhaus, and de Stijl
Modern Architecture Since 1900: pp. 98-104 (on Muthesius and Behrens) Architectural Theory: pp. 106-107 (Behrens) Assignment #1 Due Modern Architecture Since 1900: pp. 104-105 (on the Deutscher Werkbund); pp. 192-199 (on the Bauhaus); pp. 198-199 (on the Weissenhofsiedlung); pp. 149-159 (on de Stijl) Architectural Theory: pp. 108-109 (Muthesius and van de Velde); pp. 200201 (Gropius); pp. 202-203 (Taut); pp. 188-90 (van Doesburg)
5
Week Seven Oct. 2 Early Green: Garden Cities and Housing Oct. 4
A Need for Speed: Le Corbusier and the Machine Aesthetic
Modern Architecture Since 1900: Chapter 14 (on ideal communities) Architectural Theory: pp. 114-115 (Howard); pp. 224-226 (May) Modern Architecture Since 1900: pp. 83-84 (on the Dom-ino system); chapter 10 (on early Le Corbusier); chapter 16 (on the Villa Savoye); and re-read chapter 14 on ideal communities, especially pp. 246-248 (on the Contemporary City) Architectural Theory: pp. 186-187 (Le Corbusier); pp. 187-188 (Le Corbusier); pp. 193-194 (Le Corbusier); pp. 218-220 (Le Corbusier)
Week Eight Oct. 9 Lecture TBA Oct. 11
Lecture TBA
Week Nine Oct. 16 Midterm Review Oct. 18
Midterm
Week Ten Oct. 23 Less is More: Mies van der Rohe and the International Style Oct. 25
Lecture TBA
Week Eleven Oct. 30 Picture Perfect: Fallingwater, Broadacre City, and Levittown Nov. 1
Selling Modernism: Wright, Barragán, and Aalto
Week Twelve Nov. 6 Modernity in South Asia: New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dhaka Nov. 8
Modern Architecture Since 1900: pp. 270-273 (on the Barcelona Pavilion); chapter 22 (on post-war modernism in the USA) Architectural Theory: pp. 163-165 (Barr); pp. 166-167 (Hitchcock and Johnson); pp. 256-257 (Hudnut); pp. 248-250 (Giedion); pp. 276-277 (Johnson on Mies)
Alternative Modernities: Brazil Japan, England
Modern Architecture Since 1900: p. 316 (on Broadacre City); pp. 311-314 (on Fallingwater) Architectural Theory: pp. 257-258 (Wright); pp. 261-262 (Wright) Modern Architecture Since 1900: pp. 314-316 (on Johnson Wax Headquarters); pp. 342-349 (on Aalto); and pp. 390, 493-500 (on Barragán) Architectural Theory: pp. 278-80 (Mumford); pp. 288-289 (Harris); pp. 304306 (Giedion) Modern Architecture Since 1900: pp. 295-297 (on New Delhi); pp. 427-433 (on Chandigarh); pp. 525-527 (on Dhaka) Architectural Theory: pp. 250-252 (Le Corbusier) Modern Architecture Since 1900: p. 500 (on Brasilia); pp. 506-511 (on the Metabolists); pp. 538-539 (on Archigram) Architectural Theory: pp. 353-354 (Metabolists); p. 356 (Archigram)
6
Week Thirteen Nov. 13 Quiz #2/ The Situationists Nov. 15
The End of Modernism? Postmodern Architecture I
Situationist Manifesto: http://www.cdcc.vt.edu/sionline/si/manifesto.html Modern Architecture Since 1900: Chapter 33 (on memory); pp. 569-570 (on Fathy) Architectural Theory: pp. 431-433 (Jencks); pp. 442-444 (Fathy)
Thanksgiving Week Nov. 20 Thanksgiving Break Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Break Week Fourteen Nov. 27 Less is a Bore: Postmodern Architecture II Nov. 29
Asia Rising
Week Fifteen Dec. 4 A Sustainable World? Dec. 6
Modern Architecture Since 1900: pp. 560-565 (on Venturi) Architectural Theory: pp. 339-341 (Jacobs); pp. 384-386 (Venturi); pp. 390391 (Venturi and Scott Brown); pp. 417-418 (Vidler) Assignment #2 Due Modern Architecture Since 1900: pp. 640-641 (on Ando); pp. 658-659 (on the Hong Kong Bank) Architectural Theory: pp. 529-531 (Duany, Plater-Zyberk, Chellman); pp. 597-598 (McDonough and Braungart); pp. 599-600 (Braungart); pp. 601603.
Final Review
Final Dec. 14 Final Exam
1:00pm-3:00pm, Carpenter 102
* Updates or changes to the syllabus will be announced in class and/or posted to the course website. Early exams will not be given; see WSU Academic Regulations 79 and 80 for more information. ** Recommended reading should be completed prior to lecture.
7
