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Federico von Borstel

This course is an overview of the Modern to Contemporary history of architecture. It serves as a guideline for the courses on specific periods and styles of architecture.

I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated firsthand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

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This course is an overview of the Modern to Contemporary history of architecture. It serves as a guideline for the courses on specific periods and styles of architecture.

I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated firsthand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

This course is designed under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution.

The design, development and application of educational systems based on the educational principles of evolution generates a philosophy and methodology of education in synchrony with the evolutionary education system that is firmly and deeply rooted in each of us.

Education for evolution is an educational system designed to help propel humans forward in the natural course of evolution. The purpose of education for evolution is to enhance and strengthen the natural evolutionary process of humans through the mechanism of education. The means to achieve this objective is the design of a curricula based on the same educational techniques and strategies used by natural evolution, enhanced and guided by the application of conscious educational decisions.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Modern to contemporary architecture
  • Overview of modern architecture
  • Human experience
  • Technology in architecture

Syllabus

Introduction
History of Architecture Modern 2
History of Architecture Modern 3
History of Architecture Modern 4
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an overview of modern architecture, which is helpful for students who want to learn about the history and theory of the field
Explores the human experience in architecture, which is a core consideration for architects and designers when creating spaces
Examines the role of technology in architecture, which is increasingly important in contemporary design and construction practices
Serves as a guideline for courses on specific periods and styles, which may be helpful for learners who want to specialize in a particular area

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Reviews summary

Introduction to modern architecture overview

According to learners, this course provides a good introductory overview of modern architecture, making it great for beginners and those new to the subject. Many students highlight the instructor's passion and the use of helpful firsthand visuals as significant strengths that make the lectures engaging. However, some reviewers found the course to be too basic if they had prior knowledge, suggesting it lacks depth for more advanced learners. The unique philosophical approach mentioned in the course description was perceived differently, with some finding it interesting and others considering it a distracting element. Additionally, a few learners pointed out that the syllabus or course structure felt repetitive or unclear.
Unique philosophy is divisive among learners.
"Some parts about the 'education for evolution' were a bit odd, but overall solid."
"Not what I expected. Too much focus on the instructor's personal philosophy and not enough architectural detail."
"Very disappointing. The content is extremely basic, and the philosophical parts are completely irrelevant."
"Unexpected but interesting philosophical layer."
Firsthand graphics enhance learning.
"The visuals are top-notch."
"Absolutely loved the teaching style. The firsthand visuals made a huge difference."
"Visuals are a highlight."
"Loved the visuals, especially the on-site photos."
Instructor's passion and delivery style praised.
"The instructor's passion is infectious and the visuals are top-notch."
"Absolutely loved the teaching style. Highly recommend for beginners."
"Brilliant course for starting out. The lectures are engaging and the material is presented clearly."
"Good overview. The instructor is clearly passionate."
Provides a solid foundation for beginners.
"Fantastic overview! Great for someone like me who knew nothing."
"A good introduction covering a wide range."
"Decent course. Provides a broad sweep of modern architecture."
"Perfectly pitched as an introduction."
Syllabus or module names are unclear.
"The syllabus structure with repetitive names was confusing."
"The structure wasn't the clearest."
"Didn't understand the numbering in the modules."
Too basic for learners with prior knowledge.
"It's okay as a basic intro. If you have any prior knowledge, it feels very surface-level."
"Not what I expected. Too much focus on the instructor's personal philosophy and not enough architectural detail."
"Very disappointing. The content is extremely basic..."
"Average introduction. Covered the main points, but could have gone deeper."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Modern Architecture with these activities:
Review Architectural History
Refresh your knowledge of architectural history to provide a solid foundation for understanding the context of Modern architecture.
Browse courses on History of Architecture
Show steps
  • Review key architectural periods and styles.
  • Identify major architects and their contributions.
  • Summarize the social and technological influences on architecture.
Review 'Towards a New Architecture'
Explore the foundational principles of modern architecture as articulated by one of its most influential figures.
Show steps
  • Read the sections on the 'Five Points of Architecture'.
  • Analyze the architectural examples presented.
  • Consider the social and cultural context of the book.
Review 'Modern Architecture: A Critical History'
Gain a deeper understanding of the key movements and figures in modern architecture.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first chapter.
  • Take notes on key concepts and architects.
  • Reflect on the social and political context.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Timeline of Modern Architecture
Solidify your understanding of the chronological development of modern architecture by creating a visual timeline.
Show steps
  • Research key dates and events in modern architecture.
  • Design a visually appealing timeline layout.
  • Add images and descriptions to each entry.
  • Share your timeline with classmates for feedback.
Explore Case Study Houses
Deepen your understanding of modern residential design by exploring online resources and virtual tours of Case Study Houses.
Show steps
  • Research the history and purpose of the Case Study Houses.
  • Find virtual tours or documentaries of specific houses.
  • Analyze the design features and materials used.
  • Compare and contrast different Case Study Houses.
Research a Modern Architect
Conduct in-depth research on a specific modern architect to gain a comprehensive understanding of their work and influence.
Show steps
  • Choose an architect from the course syllabus or related readings.
  • Gather information from books, articles, and online resources.
  • Analyze their key projects and design principles.
  • Prepare a presentation or report summarizing your findings.
Create a Comparative Analysis
Compare and contrast two different architectural styles or movements within modern architecture to develop critical thinking skills.
Show steps
  • Select two styles or movements to compare.
  • Research the key characteristics of each style.
  • Identify similarities and differences in design principles.
  • Write a report or create a presentation summarizing your analysis.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Modern Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architectural Historian
An Architectural Historian studies the history of buildings and their design, which is directly relevant to this course. They often research, write, and teach about architectural styles and movements. This course, focusing on the history of modern to contemporary architecture, provides a foundational understanding of key periods and styles, helping an Architectural Historian contextualize their work. The course’s method of teaching, which models evolutionary patterns and emphasizes firsthand experience, will help enrich their approach to learning and engaging with architectural history. By taking this course, they will gain a broad perspective that will enhance their ability to analyze and interpret the historical context of various architectural works.
Architecture Critic
Architecture Critics evaluate and interpret buildings, designs and urban spaces. They often write for magazines, newspapers, or online publications, using their knowledge of architectural history and theory to provide insightful commentary. This course provides a comprehensive overview of modern and contemporary architectural history, crucial for developing a critical eye. The course's unique approach, emphasizing firsthand experience and learning through doing, may help architecture critics develop a nuanced perspective. It will help those interested in becoming an Architecture Critic gain an essential understanding of the historical evolution of the spaces and structures they analyze.
Archival Researcher
Archival Researchers locate, organize, and analyze historical documents and materials, including architectural plans and drawings. This position requires a strong background in history and the ability to understand the context of historical documents. This course, with its focus on the history of modern to contemporary architecture, will help an Archival Researcher understand the periods and styles they may be working with. The course’s method of teaching, which models evolutionary patterns and emphasizes firsthand experience, may help an Archival Researcher in their organization and analysis. By taking this course, they will gain valuable insight into the evolution of architectural design, enhancing their interpretive skills.
Curator
Curators are responsible for the collection, care, and exhibition of artifacts, which can include architectural models, drawings, or photographs. Those specializing in architecture need a deep understanding of architectural history. This course's overview of modern to contemporary architecture gives Curators a context for their work. The course’s commitment to learning through firsthand experience and applying knowledge will help enhance their approach to engaging with physical artifacts. Taking this course will help aspiring Curators gain a robust foundation in architectural history, which is vital in their day to day activities.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners develop strategies and plans for the growth and development of cities and regions. They must grasp the historical factors that have shaped the built environment, making this course relevant. The course’s overview of modern and contemporary architecture will help an Urban Planner understand the context of historical developments. This course, with its emphasis on learning through experience and applying knowledge, will translate into an Urban Planner’s approach to their work. By taking this course, a future Urban Planner can gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of architectural design and urban spaces which can enhance the work they do.
Architectural Designer
Architectural Designers create the plans and designs for buildings. While they focus on the creation of plans, awareness of historical design styles provides critical context. This course’s overview of modern and contemporary architecture helps an Architectural Designer. The course’s method of teaching, which models evolutionary patterns and emphasizes firsthand experience, may help an Architectural Designer in their approach to design development. This course helps build a foundation of historical styles, and those wishing to enter this field will benefit from an understanding of the field's historical context and methods.
Building Surveyor
Building Surveyors inspect and assess the condition of buildings, often needing to understand the period and style of architecture. A course that provides an overview of modern and contemporary architecture, like this one, will be helpful. This course emphasizes learning through observation and understanding the human experience with architecture, which can help a Building Surveyor. The course also addresses the impact of technology in architecture, which will help a Building Surveyor better assess the structural integrity of buildings by understanding the materials and methods used. By taking this course, they will gain a broader understanding of architectural history and design, which can improve their ability to assess buildings.
Exhibition Designer
Exhibition Designers create the spatial layouts and designs for exhibits, often in museums, galleries, or other public spaces. This course's overview of modern and contemporary architecture can serve as a good foundation for an Exhibition Designer, especially for exhibits related to architecture or design. The focus on the human experience and how people engage with built environments, as covered in the course, will help Exhibition Designers create more effective and engaging environments. The course’s method of teaching may be helpful in building insight. By taking this course, they will become better equipped to design thoughtful and impactful exhibition spaces.
Set Designer
Set Designers create the visual environments for theatrical, film, and television productions. Although a Set Designer creates temporary structures, a course on an overview of modern and contemporary architecture may be helpful. This course’s focus on the human experience and technology in architecture will help a Set Designer create an environment that meets the needs of the production. The course’s method of teaching may be helpful in developing a Set Designer’s approach to design. By taking this course they could deepen their understanding of relevant historical influences.
Interior designer
Interior Designers plan and design interior spaces of buildings and work to make them functional and aesthetically pleasing. An understanding of architectural history can be beneficial. While this course focuses on the exterior aspects of architecture, it may be useful to Interior Designers to understand larger design trends. The course’s method of teaching, which emphasizes learning through experience, may help an Interior Designer with their own approach to design. By taking this course, they can broaden their design knowledge with contextual awareness of architectural history.
Real Estate Developer
Real Estate Developers oversee the development of real estate properties, including the design and planning phases. Familiarity with architectural trends and styles may be relevant. While this course focuses on the history of architectural design, it may be helpful to see the progression of styles. The course’s method of teaching, may help a Real Estate Developer apply their knowledge. By taking this course, they may better understand historical trends in the design of a structure, thus helping them in their decision-making.
Construction Manager
Construction Managers plan, direct, and coordinate construction projects. They need familiarity with building plans, but they are not typically creating them. This course is an overview of architectural history, which may be of interest to a Construction Manager, but is not the focus of their work. The course’s method of teaching, which is to learn by doing and through experience, may offer a new perspective. Taking this course may help expand the Construction Manager's general understanding of architecture, providing a foundation for future growth.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects plan and design outdoor spaces, and while this role generally focuses on external spaces, an understanding of architectural styles and how a building interacts with its surroundings may be helpful. This course is focused on the history of design of buildings. The emphasis on firsthand experience and applying knowledge in the course may improve a Landscape Architect's approach to design. Taking this course may provide a broader understanding of design principles and influence landscape design decisions.
Facilities Manager
Facilities Managers are responsible for the management, maintenance, and upkeep of buildings and facilities. This course's overview of architectural history may be of some benefit to a future Facilities Manager, but will not be central to the role. The course’s method of teaching, which includes learning by doing and through experience, may be intriguing to someone in this role. By taking this course, a Facilities Manager may add some relevant historical context to their understanding of building design.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects, not typically buildings. While this course's overview of modern and contemporary architecture is not the primary focus of the work of a Civil Engineer, the focus on technology in architecture may be of some interest. The course’s method of teaching may be of interest or value. Taking this course might broaden a Civil Engineer’s understanding of building design but is not essential for the role.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Modern Architecture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of modern architecture, analyzing its key movements, architects, and buildings. It offers a critical perspective on the social, political, and technological forces that shaped modern architecture. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the themes explored in the course.
Seminal work by Le Corbusier that outlines his vision for modern architecture. It presents his key principles, such as the 'Five Points of Architecture,' and advocates for a functional and efficient approach to design. This book is valuable as additional reading. Reading this book will provide insight into the theoretical underpinnings of modern architecture.

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