80 301 Norwegian Architecture - an introduction
Emnenavn på Norwegian Bokmål:
Norwegian Architecture
Credits:
6
Course code:
80 301
Level of study:
Master
Teaching semester:
2017 Autumn
Assessment semester:
2017 Autumn
Language of instruction:
English
Year:
2017
Maximum number of students:
40
Person in charge
Amandine Kastler
Required prerequisite knowledge
This course is only open for exchange students, international students and Norwegian master students might attend if the course does not fill up.
A good verbal and written command of the English language is required.
Knowledge of architectural history is recommended.
Course content
This seminar will provide a structure for understanding Norwegian architecture. Students will be introduced to Norwegian architectural projects, past and present, in relation to the language and the concepts through which architecture is understood. This will be extended to provide a foundation for considering the history of Norwegian architecture and the history of the city of Oslo.
The seminar will investigate the main themes that have dominated architectural production in Norway. The course will study the relationship between Norwegian architecture and other cultural fields with the aim of highlighting how Norway has conveyed and invented its national identity through buildings. Case studies will provide the framework for students to discover how Norway’s built environment has dealt with questions of style, influence and institutional organisation.
Building on the work of previous years, students will continue to contribute to the Room of Possibilities blog that was established by Andrea Pinochet. Each student will report, in a semi-journalistic fashion, the findings of their research and analysis of chosen case study. The blog is intended to serve as resource and informal guide to Norwegian architecture for both local and vising architects and students.
During the duration of the semester students will engage with contemporary architects, historians, academics, and artists. Lectures and excursions will support and supplement students individual case study analysis.
Learning outcome
Participants will gain an understanding of the evolution of the architectural thought and practice within the Norwegian context.
Participants will be introduced to scholarly practices such as conducting interviews, academic writing, working with archives and building analysis.
Students will learn to identify a topic of interest and synthesise material in order to produce a concise report.
Students will experiment with different media and engage in the production of a shared knowledge based resource.
Working and learning activities
Excursions will be planned for most meetings and will take place in the Oslo metropolitan area. Lectures will supplement the field trips and provide necessary background information. The weekly programme for this course will be structured in two parts. Seminar meetings will be held in the morning and excursions will take place in the afternoon. Local architects and other school faculty will regularly join the field trips.
Field trips and outdoor visits will be carried out regardless of weather conditions. Students are responsible from dressing accordingly. Warm and waterproof clothing is recommended, especially in the second half of the field trip schedule.
Students are responsible for their own transportation arrangements and bringing any necessary documentation and equipment.
Students are expected to attend all meetings and be active contributors and participants.
Curriculum
The curriculum will be given out closer to the start date.
| Form of assessment | Grouping | Grading scale | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | Individual | Pass / fail | As per the course description, each student will be required to produce and present a concise report with the aim of it being posted on the Room of Possibilities blog. The final report will include a text supported by research material and analytical drawings. In preparation for the final submission students will be required to submit several drafts over the duration of the semester. Each submission will contribute to the final assessment. |
| Workload activity | Comment |
|---|---|
| Attendance | Students are expected to attend all meetings and be active contributors and participants |