Course syllabus for Theories and perspectives of architecture

Course syllabus adopted 2026-02-11 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameTeorier och perspektiv på arkitektur
  • CodeACE670
  • Credits15 Credits
  • OwnerTKARK
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyArchitecture
  • ThemeArchitectural design project 4.5 c
  • DepartmentARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
  • GradingUG - Pass, Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language Swedish
  • Application code 45131
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0125 Written and oral assignments, part A 4.5 c
Grading: UG		 4.5 c
0225 Written and oral assignments, part B 10.5 c
Grading: UG		 3 c7.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Course specific prerequisites

  • Architectural design and aesthetics, or equivalent
  • Architecture, theory and sustainability, or equivalent
  • History of architecture, or equivalent
  • Urban theory, or equivalent
  • Form, space and structure, or equivalent

Aim

Theoretical perspectives within architecture form the foundation for how architects and researchers analyze, understand, and transform buildings and cities, as well as understand their impact on society at large, contributing to a deeper knowledge of architectural practice and theory.

The course's purpose is twofold. Firstly, students are trained to write an academic essay or paper, and become familiar with the academic seminar culture. Students independently search for information and are trained to critically evaluate and analyze it, formulate a clear question, structure extensive material, and become familiar with reference management and other formalities. In addition to this, the students are trained in both receiving and giving constructive criticism. The student deepens their understanding of architecture as well as urban design and planning through critical analysis and reflection and learns to apply theory in practical discussion and analysis.
Secondly, students' knowledge and understanding of architecture and urban planning are deepened within a chosen theme, which will serve as input to the bachelor's project taken concurrently. By combining theory and practice, the course aims to shape future architects who can both deepen their understanding within a chosen theme and critically analyze reference projects based on the chosen theme, identify design strategies, and communicate their ideas through various expressions.

Part of this process involves students reflecting on their own knowledge development, which takes place through portfolio discussions within the framework of the course. These discussions serve as a bridge between the theoretical and practical elements of the course and promote a comprehensive understanding of architecture and urban planning among the students.

The purpose of portfolio discussions is to make the student's knowledge development visible by using the portfolio as an educational tool that links together courses and projects over time. Through reflection and dialogue, the student gains a clearer understanding of their knowledge and abilities, which strengthens their capacity to take responsibility for their continued learning in both studies and professional life.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  1. Write an essay or paper within a theme relevant to architecture based on research, formulate a clear question, structure extensive material, and handle references and other formalities applicable within the field of architecture.
  2. Interpret and critically review existing research using the course literature and information that is searched independently, critically evaluate and analyze it in relation to the chosen theme.
  3. Understand and apply scientific methods to analyze and interpret architecture and critically review reference projects in relation to the chosen theme and identify lessons (design components or strategies) that can be used in their own design work.
  4. Organize a seminar for an in-depth discussion, interpretation, and critical review of scientific texts and reference projects, as well as peer-to-peer review of their own projects.
  5. Explain the interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary nature of architecture and demonstrate the ability to combine various scientific fields and practical understanding by integrating research results and review of reference projects into their own design project (bachelor's project).
  6. Make their knowledge development visible, communicate it, and reflect on it in their portfolio.

Content

The main task is a written scientific essay or paper on one of the themes within the field of architecture proposed within the framework of the course. The course includes the use of existing research, development of academic questions, and method selection, compiled into a scientific essay or paper with a correct apparatus and reference list. The task is carried out individually.

Furthermore, the essay/paper should be linked to a reference project, chosen independently, to be analyzed in relation to the chosen theme. The course is taken concurrently with the bachelor's project, and the aim is for these courses to interact, with the bachelor's project serving as the practical application. The student is given the opportunity to identify design strategies relevant to the bachelor's project, analyze the bachelor's project during its development, and reflect on its results. If the courses are not taken concurrently, another project may be used for analysis.

The course also includes a portfolio discussion in which knowledge and education are discussed.

The course consists of two modules:
  • Assignment (Part A) focuses on the development of a question within a theme relevant to architecture, serving as the basis for the essay/paper, including choice of methods, selection of literature and reference projects relevant to the question and the bachelor's project in the concurrent course (bachelor's project).
  • Assignment (Part B) focus on finalizing the essay or paper within a theme relevant to architecture further as well as discussing and presenting it.

Organisation

The course is planned and delivered by a team of teachers. Students are assigned to a supervisor. Seminars, supervision, and critique are connected to this supervisor. The aim is for the essay/paper to serve as input for the bachelor's project, which is taken in parallel. 

Students will develop their ability to present their ideas both in writing and orally. They will develop and participate in seminars where they oppose, analyze, and provide feedback on other students' texts, strengthening their critical and analytical skills. Students will also understand the scientific breadth and interdisciplinary necessity within the interdisciplinary nature of the field of architecture.

The following elements form the core of the course:
  • General lectures on the scientific method, writing, and architectural theory
  • Theme-focused lectures and seminars
  • Continuous submissions
  • Conducting seminars
  • Group discussion and feedback
  • Critique sessions and final presentation
  • Opposition of others' material
  • Conduct and present an exhibition
  • Portfolio talks

Literature

If the course materials include printed course literature, this will be announced at least 12 weeks before the course starts. Articles and materials produced by the department will be available on the course’s Canvas page.

Examination including compulsory elements

Examination takes place through the following elements:
  • Continuous examination of the essay or paper through the submission of work material weekly and submission of the completed text, as well as presentation, in-depth discussion, and opposition at seminars that primarily examine learning objectives 1, 2, and 3.
  • Conducting a seminar and exhibition focused on the chosen theme and project, primarily examining learning objectives 4 and 5.
  • Active participation in the course and active attendance at mandatory elements.
  • Implementation of portfolio discussions assessing learning objective 6.
Continuous examination means that examination takes place through several presentation sessions with clear submission requirements that are announced at the start of the course. Also, compulsory moments are announced at the start of the course.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.