Lecture Notes: Histories of Architecture and Urbanism
Introduction
These lecture notes provide a detailed summary of 7A1B20: Histories of Architecture and
Urbanism, covering key developments in global architecture and urban planning from prehistory
to the present. They outline major themes, case studies, and theoretical discussions, offering a
structured overview of how architecture has evolved throughout history.
Disclaimer: Lecture 1 is not included, as it was not part of the exam for the 2024/2025 academic
year.
Olaf van der Sluijs 1
,Lecture 2: Histories of Architecture and Urbanism
The Architectural Canon: Definition and Significance
• Definition: A collection of works, architects, projects, and movements widely studied
and recognized as defining architectural history.
• Purpose: The canon establishes standards for architectural education, practice, and
theory.
The Canon’s Formation and Biases
• Not Neutral or Objective → Shaped by historical, cultural, and political forces.
• Eurocentrism in Early Histories
o Early architectural historians were European scholars, focusing on Western
architecture.
o As a result, non-Western traditions were either excluded or diminished.
• Educational Institutions Reinforce the Canon
o Textbooks, lectures, and curricula often reference Western architectural
landmarks (e.g., Parthenon, Coliseum, Villa Savoye).
o Students are rarely encouraged to question why certain buildings are prioritized.
• Cultural Institutions’ Role
o Museums and archives, like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), play a role in
shaping architectural discourse by focusing on Western traditions.
• Media Influence
o Architectural magazines and websites primarily highlight Western trends and
architects.
o Contemporary architectural journalism often reflects Eurocentric ideals.
Colonialism and Architectural History
• Impact of European Colonialism
o European powers (Portugal, Spain, France, England, Netherlands) imposed
their architectural styles on colonized regions.
o Indigenous and local architectures were discredited or erased.
o Non-Western buildings were often described as "primitive" or "exotic", rather
than as legitimate architectural contributions.
• The Canon’s Preference for "Great Architects"
o Focuses on white, male European and American figures (e.g., Le Corbusier,
Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright).
o This emphasis ignores architecture as a collective discipline.
o Excludes contributions from women, architects of color, and indigenous
designers.
Olaf van der Sluijs 2
,What the Canon Overlooks
• Monumental Architecture vs. Vernacular Architecture
o The canon prioritizes palaces, cathedrals, and museums, neglecting
vernacular architecture.
o Vernacular Architecture: Structures designed by and for ordinary people,
often deeply connected to local culture and materials.
o Everyday architecture is just as significant, influencing sustainability,
resilience, and community-driven design.
• Underrepresentation of Non-Western Regions
o South Asia:
▪ Figures like Charles Correa and Balkrishna Doshi have gained
recognition.
▪ However, vernacular and pre-colonial Indian architecture remains
underrepresented.
o Latin America:
▪ Architects like Lina Bo Bardi (Brazil) and Luis Barragán (Mexico) are
receiving global attention.
▪ Yet, indigenous architectural traditions remain marginalized.
Rewriting the Architectural Canon
• Inclusion of Minor Histories
o Everyday structures, such as homes, marketplaces, and community spaces,
should be integrated into architectural discourse.
• Recognizing Marginalized Architects
o Women like Natalie de Blois and African American architect Paul Williams
made significant contributions but are often omitted.
• Challenging Eurocentric Narratives
o The traditional canon positions Greek and Roman architecture as the
foundation of all "civilized" architecture.
o This ignores the monumental structures built outside of Europe, such as:
▪ Great Wall of China
▪ Egyptian Pyramids
▪ Mayan Temples
• The Colonial Legacy in Architectural Studies
o Many non-European regions are still studied through a colonial lens.
o Colonial-era buildings are often prioritized over pre-colonial structures.
• Expanding the Canon Beyond Western Modernism
o Modernist movements in Brazil, Japan, and Africa have been overshadowed by
European narratives.
o Architectural innovation has never been one-way (Europe to the world) but
rather a global exchange.
Olaf van der Sluijs 3
, Key Takeaways
• The architectural canon is not neutral → It reflects Eurocentric biases and excludes
many global traditions.
• Educational, cultural, and media institutions reinforce Western dominance in
architectural history.
• Colonialism and Eurocentrism continue to shape how we perceive architecture
today.
• Expanding the canon is not about erasing European achievements → It is about
creating a more inclusive and accurate history.
• Vernacular, indigenous, and underrepresented architectures deserve equal
recognition in the global narrative of architecture.
Western Architectural Dominance Today
• Major global projects are still dominated by Western firms, reinforcing the idea that
Western architecture is the pinnacle of innovation.
• This often leads to inappropriate designs for specific local contexts.
• Efforts to decolonize architecture are promoting local traditions and fostering a more
balanced global architectural landscape.
African Architecture and Its Exclusion from the Canon
• Africa has a rich architectural history, yet it remains largely absent from mainstream
architectural education.
• Examples of overlooked structures:
o Great Mosque of Djenné (Mali) → Mud-brick construction showcasing
sustainable engineering.
o Great Zimbabwe → Intricate stone walls, demonstrating advanced urban
planning.
• Many African structures are dismissed as "pre-modern" or "tribal", undermining their
engineering and cultural significance.
Nubian Architecture and Marginalization
• Pyramids of Meroë (Sudan) → Often overshadowed by Egyptian pyramids, despite
showcasing sophisticated construction techniques.
• Nubian contributions are often framed only in relation to Egypt, diminishing their
independent innovations.
Pre-Columbian Architecture in the Americas
• Structures like Tikal (Guatemala) and Puebloan cliff dwellings (USA) exhibit advanced
planning yet remain simplified in historical narratives.
• Machu Picchu (Peru)
o Highly advanced stonework and urban planning, adapted to mountainous
terrain.
o Often romanticized as a "lost city," ignoring the larger Incan tradition of
urbanism.
Olaf van der Sluijs 4
Introduction
These lecture notes provide a detailed summary of 7A1B20: Histories of Architecture and
Urbanism, covering key developments in global architecture and urban planning from prehistory
to the present. They outline major themes, case studies, and theoretical discussions, offering a
structured overview of how architecture has evolved throughout history.
Disclaimer: Lecture 1 is not included, as it was not part of the exam for the 2024/2025 academic
year.
Olaf van der Sluijs 1
,Lecture 2: Histories of Architecture and Urbanism
The Architectural Canon: Definition and Significance
• Definition: A collection of works, architects, projects, and movements widely studied
and recognized as defining architectural history.
• Purpose: The canon establishes standards for architectural education, practice, and
theory.
The Canon’s Formation and Biases
• Not Neutral or Objective → Shaped by historical, cultural, and political forces.
• Eurocentrism in Early Histories
o Early architectural historians were European scholars, focusing on Western
architecture.
o As a result, non-Western traditions were either excluded or diminished.
• Educational Institutions Reinforce the Canon
o Textbooks, lectures, and curricula often reference Western architectural
landmarks (e.g., Parthenon, Coliseum, Villa Savoye).
o Students are rarely encouraged to question why certain buildings are prioritized.
• Cultural Institutions’ Role
o Museums and archives, like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), play a role in
shaping architectural discourse by focusing on Western traditions.
• Media Influence
o Architectural magazines and websites primarily highlight Western trends and
architects.
o Contemporary architectural journalism often reflects Eurocentric ideals.
Colonialism and Architectural History
• Impact of European Colonialism
o European powers (Portugal, Spain, France, England, Netherlands) imposed
their architectural styles on colonized regions.
o Indigenous and local architectures were discredited or erased.
o Non-Western buildings were often described as "primitive" or "exotic", rather
than as legitimate architectural contributions.
• The Canon’s Preference for "Great Architects"
o Focuses on white, male European and American figures (e.g., Le Corbusier,
Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright).
o This emphasis ignores architecture as a collective discipline.
o Excludes contributions from women, architects of color, and indigenous
designers.
Olaf van der Sluijs 2
,What the Canon Overlooks
• Monumental Architecture vs. Vernacular Architecture
o The canon prioritizes palaces, cathedrals, and museums, neglecting
vernacular architecture.
o Vernacular Architecture: Structures designed by and for ordinary people,
often deeply connected to local culture and materials.
o Everyday architecture is just as significant, influencing sustainability,
resilience, and community-driven design.
• Underrepresentation of Non-Western Regions
o South Asia:
▪ Figures like Charles Correa and Balkrishna Doshi have gained
recognition.
▪ However, vernacular and pre-colonial Indian architecture remains
underrepresented.
o Latin America:
▪ Architects like Lina Bo Bardi (Brazil) and Luis Barragán (Mexico) are
receiving global attention.
▪ Yet, indigenous architectural traditions remain marginalized.
Rewriting the Architectural Canon
• Inclusion of Minor Histories
o Everyday structures, such as homes, marketplaces, and community spaces,
should be integrated into architectural discourse.
• Recognizing Marginalized Architects
o Women like Natalie de Blois and African American architect Paul Williams
made significant contributions but are often omitted.
• Challenging Eurocentric Narratives
o The traditional canon positions Greek and Roman architecture as the
foundation of all "civilized" architecture.
o This ignores the monumental structures built outside of Europe, such as:
▪ Great Wall of China
▪ Egyptian Pyramids
▪ Mayan Temples
• The Colonial Legacy in Architectural Studies
o Many non-European regions are still studied through a colonial lens.
o Colonial-era buildings are often prioritized over pre-colonial structures.
• Expanding the Canon Beyond Western Modernism
o Modernist movements in Brazil, Japan, and Africa have been overshadowed by
European narratives.
o Architectural innovation has never been one-way (Europe to the world) but
rather a global exchange.
Olaf van der Sluijs 3
, Key Takeaways
• The architectural canon is not neutral → It reflects Eurocentric biases and excludes
many global traditions.
• Educational, cultural, and media institutions reinforce Western dominance in
architectural history.
• Colonialism and Eurocentrism continue to shape how we perceive architecture
today.
• Expanding the canon is not about erasing European achievements → It is about
creating a more inclusive and accurate history.
• Vernacular, indigenous, and underrepresented architectures deserve equal
recognition in the global narrative of architecture.
Western Architectural Dominance Today
• Major global projects are still dominated by Western firms, reinforcing the idea that
Western architecture is the pinnacle of innovation.
• This often leads to inappropriate designs for specific local contexts.
• Efforts to decolonize architecture are promoting local traditions and fostering a more
balanced global architectural landscape.
African Architecture and Its Exclusion from the Canon
• Africa has a rich architectural history, yet it remains largely absent from mainstream
architectural education.
• Examples of overlooked structures:
o Great Mosque of Djenné (Mali) → Mud-brick construction showcasing
sustainable engineering.
o Great Zimbabwe → Intricate stone walls, demonstrating advanced urban
planning.
• Many African structures are dismissed as "pre-modern" or "tribal", undermining their
engineering and cultural significance.
Nubian Architecture and Marginalization
• Pyramids of Meroë (Sudan) → Often overshadowed by Egyptian pyramids, despite
showcasing sophisticated construction techniques.
• Nubian contributions are often framed only in relation to Egypt, diminishing their
independent innovations.
Pre-Columbian Architecture in the Americas
• Structures like Tikal (Guatemala) and Puebloan cliff dwellings (USA) exhibit advanced
planning yet remain simplified in historical narratives.
• Machu Picchu (Peru)
o Highly advanced stonework and urban planning, adapted to mountainous
terrain.
o Often romanticized as a "lost city," ignoring the larger Incan tradition of
urbanism.
Olaf van der Sluijs 4
