London architecture: Renaissance, Baroque and Palladian

What is the course about?

Against the backdrop of regicide and restoration, fire and religious upheaval, London underwent a period of significant architectural transformation. From the introduction of Renaissance architecture into Britain, through the Baroque to Palladianism, this course will study key architects of the period, including Jones, Wren, Hawksmoor, and Burlington, looking at a variety of religious, secular, private and public buildings.

Please note – this course will include afternoon visits to some of buildings under discussion, which will involve a considerable amount of walking between destinations.

What will we cover?

• Renaissance architecture: Inigo Jones

• Baroque architecture: Christopher Wren, Thomas Archer, James Gibbs, Nicholas Hawksmoor

• Palladianism: Lord Burlington, William Kent

• The socio-cultural context in which buildings are made.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Identify and describe key visual characteristics of the Renaissance, Baroque and Palladian styles in Britain.

• Discuss architectural works within context (social, political, religious, artistic).

• Explain factors motivating architectural form and style.

• Analyse and evaluate architectural works based on practical and symbolic function.

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?

In the classroom you will be taught by lecture and slide presentation. Offsite, guided visits will also be part of your learning. You will be invited to take part in group discussion. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course and will be printed for you.

Please note: Museum/gallery-based sessions take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or behaviours of visitors outside of the course group. Unless you are a wheelchair user, and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between galleries), you will need to be able to walk between exhibits and stand for some time while looking at them (you may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to any gallery stools.) If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, to discuss reasonable accommodations we can make to assist your learning in the museum space.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.

This course will include offsite visits and students should factor in transport costs and entrance fees, including Banqueting House and St Paul’s Cathedral. (Donations will also be politely expected at many of the churches we visit). Please wear comfortable shoes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Ancient Rome: Art and Architecture
London architecture: post-modernism.