The module supplements the MA in Architecture course as part of a suite of modules. As an alternative to the traditional PG March course, the module strengthens the ability for students to pursue other professional activities beyond solely that of design such as architectural journalism and research careers via the proposed Master’s in Architectural Theory and beyond in terms of PhD and teaching and academic practices.

A series of texts are presented under the above headings yet with architecture as the main focus of each. These are offered for students to read prior to weekly group seminars where discussion is encouraged to enable students to interpret alternative and revised notions of architectural theory and discourse that is both imminent yet projective.

Following the student presentation two one to one tutorial will take place with each student to confirm the suitability of the subject matter and focus of the essay to be written.

(LO1) Student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of modern and contemporary architecture in its built form, but also its projects, arguments, and debates.

(LO2) Students will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the discourses on the modern, modernity and contemporary; how these discourses have been constructed and how they have been variously interpreted.

(LO3) Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of other intellectual discourses and cultural arenas that have had a major impact on architectural theories and practices.

(LO4) Students will be able to read and analyse texts in order to assess their relation to architecture, design, and the city.

(S1) Critical Thinking

(S2) Communication and Presentation of ideas and responses utilising various methods of communication.

(S3) Research. Evaluation and application of data. Precedents and analysis. Online and offline resources.

(S4) Reflection and critical appraisal. Working as an individual and within a group. Acquire personal development, skills that includes the capacity for planning and self-motivated study.

Guidelines for the essay indicate a target of around 3,000 words, with appropriate illustrations, references and bibliography. Suitable topics include historical, critical or theoretical studies, and related disciplines (Philosophy etc) architecture and cognate fields.

Week 2 – ART
Of all Badiou’s truth procedures Art is strongly reflected in life itself and as such represents not only ideology but also, in this context, it emerges as definitive truth. This allows for the emergence of an Event signifying an Art related truth that in itself is reflecting Art and in engaging with this we are made aware of existent and inexistent ideas that manifest universal truths that we all engage with throughout time.

As architecture is described as ‘the mother of all arts’ architecture itself is a conduit for creating possible truth events. Badiou has yet to elaborate on the specifics of architectural potential in this area, although the module allows s tudent architects to understand the opportunities and as such places them at the forefront of this debate.

Week 4 – LOVE
Love is seen by Badiou as the most important of the four truth procedures however, these are the most polemic of any of the remaining procedures. The unpredictability of Love makes this specific in the overall establishment of truth values even to the extent that Love once requited can diminish but is never destroyed and can be reignited at any time.

The subject of Love in architecture manifests itself in the distinction between issues such as appropriateness and style, integrity and fetish, and finally as Badiou himself in his describing the British and their relationship with, Love ‘beauty and health and safety.

Week 6 – SCIENCE
A common feature between this element of philosophical thought and architecture is identified in the introduction to Badiou’s recent book The Immanence of Truths, in terms of both Phenom enology and Ontology. The latter is taken further in this instance to a (meta) Ontology by Badiou, as being is seen as a multiple, that has unity and is finite. Therefore, Badiou sees Ontology as mathematics that is exemplified by set theory and as such the multiple as a definition of a scientific truth value.

In the basic conjoining of this branch of theory and architecture, the truth association can be interpreted as the basic techniques of how a building stands and as such does not fall down, its structural integrity, etc Further considerations are the technology of intelligent building systems and materials including the Ontological applications rather than a purely scientific application, with the debate stretching into the use of digital architectural technologies and the extent to where these are to be resisted.

Week 8 – POLITICS
The distinction in the terminology of the political in this context is that politics should be seen as a thought, not a power of adaption or reincarnation. The resultant event (the actualizing of the inexistent) defines a new political truth.

The birth of Modernism saw the relationship between politics and architecture develop most certainly in a social sense in terms of large amounts of social housing projects between and after the wars and related communal projects and to some extent cultural buildings and programs throughout the milieu.

The exploitation of space by capitalist forces resulting in urban hyperspace in parallel with the decline of the major neoliberal figurehead architects, once again allows architects to reengage with a new contemporary political agenda that operates in opposition to the pervading mechanisms of the current world political agenda.

Locating resources, reading both essential text and those recommended, writing, presentation work and compilation. 150 hrs includes 124 non–contact hours. Delivery through seminars, and tutorials with students individually reflecting and commenting on set texts on a weekly basis. Culminating in an individual student presentation and a final essay submission.