History and Theory of Architecture II
COURSE: ARC 212: History and Theory of Architecture II
UNITS: 2 Credits
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, the students should be able to:
1. define pre-historic arts and architecture;
2. describe architecture in different settings;
3. describe architecture in the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome;
4. identify four (4) space, form, materials function and aesthetics in architecture; and
5. itemize three (3) urban design forms in pre-historic architecture.
Course Contents
Pre-historic arts and architecture - arts, architecture and urban design in the ancient cultures of
Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Space, form, materials, function and aesthetics in
architecture
1.0 Introduction
The study of architectural theory and history involves understanding the evolution of architectural
styles, principles, and the underlying ideas that have shaped buildings and urban landscapes
throughout time.
Architectural Theory
• Definition: A set of ideas and concepts that inform the practice of architecture. It involves
the study of aesthetics, function, and the relationship between buildings and their
environments.
Theory And History Of Architecture II
, • Key Concepts: Includes discussions on form vs. function, the role of architecture in
society, and the use of new materials and technologies.
• Influential Theorists: Figures like Vitruvius, Le Corbusier, and Frank Lloyd Wright have
contributed significantly to architectural theory.
History of Architecture
• Ancient to Classical: Examines early structures from ancient civilizations like Egypt,
Greece, and Rome, highlighting innovations in building techniques and styles.
• Medieval: Focuses on Romanesque and Gothic architecture, characterized by religious
structures like cathedrals with intricate detailing and engineering feats like flying
buttresses.
• Renaissance to Baroque: Marks a return to classical principles with emphasis on
symmetry, proportion, and grandeur, as seen in the works of architects like Palladio and
Bernini.
• Modern to Contemporary: Covers movements such as Modernism, Postmodernism, and
Deconstructivism, reflecting changes in technology, society, and cultural values.
Course Objectives
• Critical Analysis: Students learn to evaluate architectural works through various lenses,
including historical context, cultural significance, and theoretical frameworks.
• Design Principles: Understanding how historical styles and theories influence
contemporary design practices.
• Cultural Context: Exploring how architecture reflects and shapes societal values and
technological advances.
Overall, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of how architecture has evolved and
the theoretical foundations that continue to influence the built environment today.
2.0 Pre-historic Arts
Prehistoric art refers to the visual art created by humans in the period before recorded history. This
era spans from the earliest human artistic expressions around 40,000 years ago to the advent of
Theory And History Of Architecture II
, written records. The art from this time is divided into three main categories: cave paintings,
petroglyphs, and portable art.
1. Cave Paintings
• Location and Discovery: Found predominantly in Europe, with famous sites like Lascaux
in France and Altamira in Spain. They also exist in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
• Techniques and Materials: Artists used natural pigments like ochres, charcoal, and
hematite. Tools included brushes made from animal hair, sticks, or even their fingers.
• Themes and Subjects: Common subjects include animals such as bison, horses, and deer,
often depicted in dynamic poses. Some caves also feature human figures and abstract
symbols.
• Purpose and Interpretation: The purpose of cave paintings is debated. They might have
had a ritualistic or religious function, served as hunting magic, or been a form of early
storytelling.
2. Petroglyphs
• Definition: Petroglyphs are images carved, etched, or scratched into rock surfaces.
Theory And History Of Architecture II
COURSE: ARC 212: History and Theory of Architecture II
UNITS: 2 Credits
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, the students should be able to:
1. define pre-historic arts and architecture;
2. describe architecture in different settings;
3. describe architecture in the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome;
4. identify four (4) space, form, materials function and aesthetics in architecture; and
5. itemize three (3) urban design forms in pre-historic architecture.
Course Contents
Pre-historic arts and architecture - arts, architecture and urban design in the ancient cultures of
Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Space, form, materials, function and aesthetics in
architecture
1.0 Introduction
The study of architectural theory and history involves understanding the evolution of architectural
styles, principles, and the underlying ideas that have shaped buildings and urban landscapes
throughout time.
Architectural Theory
• Definition: A set of ideas and concepts that inform the practice of architecture. It involves
the study of aesthetics, function, and the relationship between buildings and their
environments.
Theory And History Of Architecture II
, • Key Concepts: Includes discussions on form vs. function, the role of architecture in
society, and the use of new materials and technologies.
• Influential Theorists: Figures like Vitruvius, Le Corbusier, and Frank Lloyd Wright have
contributed significantly to architectural theory.
History of Architecture
• Ancient to Classical: Examines early structures from ancient civilizations like Egypt,
Greece, and Rome, highlighting innovations in building techniques and styles.
• Medieval: Focuses on Romanesque and Gothic architecture, characterized by religious
structures like cathedrals with intricate detailing and engineering feats like flying
buttresses.
• Renaissance to Baroque: Marks a return to classical principles with emphasis on
symmetry, proportion, and grandeur, as seen in the works of architects like Palladio and
Bernini.
• Modern to Contemporary: Covers movements such as Modernism, Postmodernism, and
Deconstructivism, reflecting changes in technology, society, and cultural values.
Course Objectives
• Critical Analysis: Students learn to evaluate architectural works through various lenses,
including historical context, cultural significance, and theoretical frameworks.
• Design Principles: Understanding how historical styles and theories influence
contemporary design practices.
• Cultural Context: Exploring how architecture reflects and shapes societal values and
technological advances.
Overall, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of how architecture has evolved and
the theoretical foundations that continue to influence the built environment today.
2.0 Pre-historic Arts
Prehistoric art refers to the visual art created by humans in the period before recorded history. This
era spans from the earliest human artistic expressions around 40,000 years ago to the advent of
Theory And History Of Architecture II
, written records. The art from this time is divided into three main categories: cave paintings,
petroglyphs, and portable art.
1. Cave Paintings
• Location and Discovery: Found predominantly in Europe, with famous sites like Lascaux
in France and Altamira in Spain. They also exist in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
• Techniques and Materials: Artists used natural pigments like ochres, charcoal, and
hematite. Tools included brushes made from animal hair, sticks, or even their fingers.
• Themes and Subjects: Common subjects include animals such as bison, horses, and deer,
often depicted in dynamic poses. Some caves also feature human figures and abstract
symbols.
• Purpose and Interpretation: The purpose of cave paintings is debated. They might have
had a ritualistic or religious function, served as hunting magic, or been a form of early
storytelling.
2. Petroglyphs
• Definition: Petroglyphs are images carved, etched, or scratched into rock surfaces.
Theory And History Of Architecture II
