An introduction to the history of architecture
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
- Course Code: VB553
- Dates: 02/05/24 - 11/07/24
- Time: 13:30 - 15:30
- Taught: Thu, Daytime
- Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Elizabeth Eyres
Course Code: VB553
Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This introductory course centres on western architecture and traces the development of building design from Ancient Greece to the present day. We will consider why some buildings are considered to be more important than others, why and how architectural styles change, and why some styles are revived again and again over the course of centuries. We shall also look at the ways in which architectural styles are used to signal different buildings types, and why this is done.
We will discuss the most significant western architects and their work, and consider why are these architects are regarded as so important. We will investigate buildings designed by Brunelleschi, Alberti, Bramante, Borromini, Bernini, Inigo Jones, Wren, Hawksmoor, James Gibbs, Lord Burlington, Pugin, Horta, Frank Lloyd Wright, Perret, Gropius, Rietveld, Le Corbusier, Richard Rogers, Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid and Daniel Libeskind and many more, and discover their sources of inspiration.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
• You will learn about the main styles of western architecture, including Classical Greek and Classical Roman, Early Christian and Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau, Modernism and Post-Modernism, and discover how and why they developed
• You will discover the typical building types that relate to each style
• You will learn about and discuss iconic buildings from each style, consider why these buildings look as they do and why they are seen as iconic examples of their type
• You will learn the correct architectural terminology that will allow you to discuss the features and appearance of these examples
• You will learn about the significance of key architects, including Brunelleschi, Alberti, Bramante, Borromini, Bernini, Inigo Jones, Wren, Hawksmoor, James Gibbs, Lord Burlington, Pugin, Horta, Frank Lloyd Wright, Perret, Gropius, Le Corbusier, Richard Rogers, Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid and Daniel Libeskind and many more, and discover their sources of inspiration.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
By the end of this course you should be able to:
· Differentiate between and recognise the main styles of western architecture including Classical Greek and Classical Roman, Early Christian and Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau, Modernism and Post-Modernism
· Identify the orders of Classical architecture and explain their significance
· Describe the key characteristics of the above architectural styles using the correct terminology
· Identify specific buildings in each style and explain their importance
· Recognise and identify the work of key architects.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught online with slide presentations and group discussions. Comprehensive handouts will be provided by your tutor via Google Classroom to support your learning on the course; these handouts will be available online/digitally for download, not printed out for you.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes during the lessons. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided but this is by no means essential nor obligatory.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might also be interested in:
London architecture: post-modernism
European Architecture in the Middle Ages, 800-1500
An introduction to Medieval art and architecture.
Liz Keevill Eyres worked as a textile designer in the fashion industry for four years and then as a magazine journalist specializing in interior design for 13 years. Her first degree was at Camberwell School of Art which she did at the same time as completing a degree in History and Art History with the Open University. Liz studied and has taught at Kingston University, where she lead modules and lectured in history of art, design history and architecture for ten years and ran study visits both at home and abroad. Liz has researched into English Modernist textile design of the 1950s and the professional practice of the provincial Edwardian architect, in particular Norwich-based architect George Skipper.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
