Looking at architecture
Time: 14:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
This course has now started
Course Code: VB761
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course will explore Western architecture from the ancient to the post-modern, through the analysis of key examples by innovative practitioners. We will employ traditional approaches to architectural study, considering the relationship between form and function, materials and developing styles. We will also examine the social, political and cultural contexts of design and aesthetics.
What will we cover?
- Visual characteristics and stylistic developments from Classical to Post-Modern
- Functional concerns and their impact on form
- Materials and processes
- The influence of social, political and cultural contexts.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify and describe key visual characteristics of a variety of architectural styles.
- Explain factors motivating architectural form and aesthetics.
- Analyse and evaluate architectural works on the basis of function.
- Participate in discussions around architectural works within context (social, political, religious, artistic).
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. 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. Some supplementary documents will be available on the course's Google Classroom. You will be invited to join the Google Classroom within a week of the course start date.
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.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
London Architecture: Victorian Era
Ancient Rome: Art and Architecture
Looking at sculpture
Looking at design: Arts and Crafts to Art Deco.
Dr Rachel Sanders received her MA and PhD in History of Art from University College, London. She has taught at a number of institutions and currently lectures on the history of art and design at City Lit and Oxford Brookes University. Her research interest is early twentieth-century American political paintings and cartoons. She has published a number of articles on her research specialism and is currently writing a book on New Masses magazine.
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.