History & Theory of the Designed Environment II - Survey Course 1

The course sets out to present the history and theory of the designed environment in order to build a common knowledge base for future architects, designers, landscape architects, planners and others involved in the procurement and management of the designed physical environment. Not withstanding this perspective, it is accessible to all. It is an introductory and survey course that follows the development and metamorphosis of architectural, urban and landscape forms from antiquity to modernity. The narrative embraces selected topics: cultural contexts, the impact of science and technology, the work of individual designers, architects and patrons. It also seeks to indicate the relationship to other material cultural artifacts and explore cultural exchanges with North Africa and the East. Central to the course is the development of an understanding of how traditions, images and ideas have been assimilated to create new forms that respond to new requirements.