The Architectural Imagination from edX

Architecture engages a culture’s deepest social values and expresses them in material, aesthetic form. This course will teach you how to understand architecture as both cultural expression and technical achievement. Vivid analyses of exemplary buildings, and hands-on exercises in drawing and modeling, will bring you closer to the work of architects and historians.

The first part of the course introduces the idea of the architectural imagination. Perspective drawing and architectural typology are explored and you will be introduced to some of the challenges in writing architectural history.

Then we address technology as a component of architecture. You will discover ways that innovative technology can enable and promote new aesthetic experiences, or disrupt age-old traditions. Technological advances changed what could be built, and even what could even be thought of as architecture.

Finally, we'll confront architecture’s complex relationship to its social and historical contexts and its audiences, achievements, and aspirations. You will learn about architecture’s power of representation and see how it can produce collective meaning and memory.

Architecture is one of the most complexly negotiated and globally recognized cultural practices, both as an academic subject and a professional career. Its production involves all of the technical, aesthetic, political, and economic issues at play within a given society. Join us as we examine how architecture engages, mediates, and expresses a culture’s complex aspirations.

This course is eligible for American Institute of Architects (AIA) continuing education units (CEUs). Enroll in the course to learn more about options for earning credit.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to read, analyze, and understand different forms of architectural representation
Social and historical contexts behind major works of architecture

Basic principles to produce your own architectural drawings and models
Pertinent content for academic study or a professional career as an architect

How to read, analyze, and understand different forms of architectural representation
Social and historical contexts behind major works of architecture
Basic principles to produce your own architectural drawings and models
Pertinent content for academic study or a professional career as an architect

Syllabus

Part I: Form and History

Module 1: The Architectural Imagination: An Introduction

Module 2: Reading Architecture: Column and Wall

Module 3: Hegel and Architectural History

Module 4: Aldo Rossi and Typology

Part II: The Technology Effect

Module 5: The Crystal Palace: Infrastructure and Detail

Module 6: The Dialectics of Glass and Steel

Module 7: Technology Tamed: Le Corbusier’s Machines for Living

Part III: Representation and Context

Module 8: Drawing Utopia: Visionary Architecture of the 18th Century

Module 9: The Pompidou Center in the City of Paris

Module 10: Presenting the Unrepresentable

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Offers a blend of technical expertise and cultural context for a comprehensive understanding of architecture

Suitable for individuals with limited architectural background seeking an accessible introduction to the field

Emphasizes the social and historical contexts of architecture, expanding its relevance beyond technical aspects

Provides practical exercises in drawing and modeling, developing hands-on skills applicable to architectural practice

Instructors are renowned experts in architecture and architectural history

Eligible for continuing education units (CEUs) from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), enhancing its professional relevance

Reviews summary

Architecture analysis through history

Learners say The Architectural Imagination is a detailed introduction to architecture. Through this course, you will study architecture through the lens of history, culture, and art theory. Professor Michael Hays guides learners in understanding how architectural designs reflect cultural values and technological advancements, from its origins to modern marvels. Overall, this course is both engaging and academically sound and is recommended for students of architecture and design.

Covers abstract concepts in addition to practical applications.

"It uses case studies of specific architectural projects and individuals to demonstrate various points of emphasis on the subject matter and manages to cross a wide breadth from the concrete to the philosophical and theoretical in a very efficient course."

Accessible to learners with no prior architectural knowledge.

"I have no background whatsoever in architecture, but I was able to follow along and I learned a great deal."

Professor Michael Hays is an engaging and insightful instructor.

"Professor Michael Hays is simply brilliant so is Prof. Erika Naginski."

"The videos were informative and professionally executed."

Emphasizes cultural and historical context in architectural design.

"At present I'm taking the course and I'm very much impressed. Love Harvard edX from Sri Lanka."

"I've learnt in my country. I learned new things, but also saw things that I was already familiar with."

"I got some glimmer of the additional nuances that result both from cultural attitudes and from function."

Some complex concepts may be difficult to understand.

"I had to go back through each sentence two or three times just to parse what he was saying."

"a little wide for me, but I never felt lost, just like there's more to learn."

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 The Architectural Imagination with these activities:

Read and Analyze Architectural Theory

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Expand your understanding of architectural principles and concepts by reading and analyzing key texts in architectural theory.

View The School of Life on Amazon

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Read and carefully analyze the assigned architectural theory text.
Identify the main arguments and perspectives presented in the text.
Write a summary or review of the text, highlighting your key insights and reflections.

Compile and Review Resources

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Organize and review notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams to solidify your understanding of key concepts and theories in architecture.

Browse courses on Architectural History

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Organize and compile all materials from the course into a single folder or notebook.
Review materials regularly, focusing on key concepts and ideas.
Annotate and highlight important passages and make notes.

Group Discussion on Architectural Styles

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Engage with peers to discuss and analyze different architectural styles and their historical and cultural significance.

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Form a study group with fellow students.
Choose a specific architectural style as the topic of discussion.
Prepare and present research on the chosen style, discussing its origins, characteristics, and influence.

Four other activities

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Architectural Sketching Practice

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Develop your architectural sketching skills by creating sketches of buildings and architectural elements based on the principles learned in the course.

Browse courses on Perspective Drawing

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Choose a building or architectural element as your subject matter.
Sketch the subject from different angles and perspectives.
Add details and annotations to your sketches.

Explore Architectural Software and Tools

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Gain proficiency in using architectural software and tools to enhance your design and modeling capabilities.

Browse courses on CAD

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Identify a specific architectural software or tool to learn.
Find and follow tutorials or online courses to learn the basics of the software.
Practice using the software by completing exercises and small projects.

Architectural Model Building

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Apply your knowledge of architectural principles and design to create a physical model of a building or architectural structure.

Browse courses on Architectural Modeling

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Choose a design for your model, based on the concepts learned in the course.
Select appropriate materials and tools for constructing your model.
Build your model, paying attention to scale, proportions, and details.

Architectural Research Paper

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Conduct in-depth research on an architectural topic and present your findings in a well-written and well-argued paper.

Browse courses on Architectural History

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Identify a specific architectural topic for your research.
Gather and review sources, including books, articles, and online resources.
Develop a thesis statement and organize your research into a coherent structure.

Career center

Learners who complete The Architectural Imagination will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Architect

An Architect designs buildings, often taking into account the client's requirements, budget, and the building code. The course discusses the technical and aesthetic achievements of architecture, and that will be beneficial to an Architect as they work to design buildings. Additionally, the course explores the social, cultural, and political contexts in which architecture is created, which would further benefit an Architect as they work with a variety of clients with varied needs and backgrounds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Architectural Historian

An Architectural Historian researches and writes about the history of architecture. They may work in a museum, university, or other research institution. The course will help an Architectural Historian through its focus on the social and historical contexts of architecture and its examination of major works of architecture, giving the Historian a solid foundation in the background and knowledge of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Historian

Architectural Drafter

An Architectural Drafter creates technical drawings and plans for buildings. They may work for an architect, engineer, or construction company. This course would be beneficial as it teaches the principles involved in producing architectural drawings and models, which is a crucial part of the work done by an Architectural Drafter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Drafter

Architectural Technologist

An Architectural Technologist works with architects and engineers to design and construct buildings. They may also work on the restoration or preservation of historic buildings. The course will help an Architectural Technologist by giving them a deep understanding of the architectural imagination and the technical and social aspects of architecture.

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Building Inspector

A Building Inspector ensures that buildings comply with building codes and safety regulations. They may work for a government agency or a private company. The course's focus on the social and historical contexts of architecture and its examination of major works of architecture would benefit a Building Inspector, as it gives them a broad knowledge of how buildings are designed and constructed.

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Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs and builds infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and dams. They may also work on environmental projects, such as water treatment plants and flood control systems. The course may be useful for a Civil Engineer as it explores the technological advances that have changed what could be built, which would be beneficial to a Civil Engineer as they work on new and innovative infrastructure projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager oversees the construction of buildings and other structures. They may work for a construction company, a government agency, or a private developer. This course would be helpful for a Construction Manager as it teaches the principles involved in producing architectural drawings and models, which are essential for planning and overseeing the construction of buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Landscape Architect

A Landscape Architect designs and builds outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and playgrounds. They may work for a government agency, a design firm, or a private client. The course may be useful for a Landscape Architect as it explores the relationship between architecture and its social and historical context, which will give a Landscape Architect a knowledge of how to design outdoor spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

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Interior designer

An Interior Designer plans and designs the interiors of buildings. They may work for a design firm, a furniture store, or a private client. This course may be useful for an Interior Designer as it explores the relationship between architecture and its social and historical context, which will give an Interior Designer a knowledge of how to design interiors that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

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Urban Designer

An Urban Designer plans and designs cities and towns. They may work for a government agency, a planning firm, or a private developer. The course may be useful for an Urban Designer as it explores the relationship between architecture and its social and historical context, which will give an Urban Designer a knowledge of how to design cities and towns that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Designer

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs the structural elements of buildings and other structures. They may work for an engineering firm, a construction company, or a government agency. The course may be useful for a Structural Engineer as it explores the technological advances that have changed what could be built, which would be beneficial to a Structural Engineer as they work on new and innovative structural designs.

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Professor

A Professor teaches and conducts research in a college or university. They may teach a variety of subjects, including architecture, art history, and urban studies. The course may be useful for a Professor as it explores the relationship between architecture and its social and historical context, which will give a Professor a knowledge of how to teach and research architecture in a comprehensive way.

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Museum Educator

A Museum Educator develops and delivers educational programs for museum visitors. They may work in a museum, art gallery, or other cultural institution. The course may be useful for a Museum Educator as it explores the relationship between architecture and its social and historical context, which will give a Museum Educator a knowledge of how to interpret and teach about architecture.

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Curator

A Curator is responsible for the care and display of museum collections. They may work in a museum, art gallery, or other cultural institution. The course may be useful for a Curator as it explores the relationship between architecture and its social and historical context, which will give a Curator a knowledge of how to interpret and display architecture as a cultural artifact.

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Art historian

An Art Historian studies and writes about the history of art. They may work in a museum, university, or other research institution. The course may be useful for an Art Historian as it explores the relationship between architecture and its social and historical context, which will give an Art Historian a knowledge of how to understand and appreciate architecture as an art form.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art historian