| Beschreibung |
With an eye on the unfolding climate crisis, this seminar will explore the history of 20th century architecture from the perspective of the materials used in building construction. Drawing on recent literature in architectural history and adjacent fields, the course will provide an in-depth look at the histories of various building materials, with a special focus on the economic and environmental histories of things such as cement and concrete, steel, aluminium, wood, and glass.
Throughout the course, students will learn about the evolution of building techniques and technologies, and how they have been and are entangled with the current climate crisis. The seminar will also explore the growing interest in the use of alternative, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly building materials (e.g., clay, adobe, salvaged materials) that took off from the 1970s and was prompted by concerns about resource depletion, environmental degradation, and the energy crisis. In addition to reading the assigned texts, students are expected to engage in an independent (small) research exercise focused on a specific material, technique, or project of their choosing, culminating in a short term paper and presentation. |
