80 301 Norwegian Architecture - an introduction
Emnenavn på Norwegian Bokmål:
Norwegian Architecture
Credits:
6
Course code:
80 301
Level of study:
Master
Teaching semester:
2019 Autumn
Assessment semester:
2019 Autumn
Language of instruction:
English
Maximum number of students:
40
Person in charge
Amandine Kastler
Ane Sønderaal Tolfsen
Required prerequisite knowledge
Admission to AHO and successful completion of three years bachelor level studies (180 ECTS).
This course is only open for exchange students, international students and Norwegian students if the course does not fill up.
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 a resource and informal guide to Norwegian architecture for both local and visiting 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 synthesis 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 area. Lectures will supplement the field trips and provide necessary background information. The weekly program 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 for 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio assessment (Vurderingsmappe) | Individual | Pass / fail | As per the course description, each student will be required to produce and present a concise report with the aim of publishing the article on the Room of Possibilities blog (www.roomofpossibilities.com). Students are expected to develop and to defend a thesis that articulates their position relative to the themes covered in the seminar. The final report will include a text supported by first-hand archival research material and individually produced analytical drawings. To pass all reports must also include the following : - a good title and entry paragraph. - a text addressing an original research question followed throughout the piece. - thorough spell checking and grammar control. - photos, drawing and archival material relating to the content of the article. - well-captioned images. - correctly used citations and image credits. Students are expected to execute the assignment with care and precision. It is imperative to invest time in the processes of constructing drawings, models and laying out the report on the Room of Possibilities blog. Assignments will be evaluated on the originality of the research and also importantly on the quality of the execution. Students must upload and lay-out reports on the course website before the Final Review which takes place during Elective Week. At the Final Review, students give a public presentation of their report. There will be no assessment of reports not presented at the Final Review In preparation for the final submission, students will be required to submit several drafts over the semester. Each submission will contribute to the final assessment. Plagiarism of sources or media will not be tolerated and can lead to failure. |
| Workload activity | Comment |
|---|---|
| Attendance | Students are expected to attend all meetings and be active contributors and participants |