Architectural Theory Critique 304: Body Of Work

Fhidez2ijhl8mzhrbodyofworkarchitectural Theorycrit 304otis College

Fhidez2ijhl8mzhrbodyofworkarchitectural Theorycrit 304otis College

fhidez2ijhl8mzhr BodyofWork Architectural Theory Crit 304 Otis College of Art & Design Spring 2020 Final Paper Description The final paper asks you to choose one or two readings from the course to explore in further detail and to write on questions which emerge from and extend those found in the readings. The goal of the final paper is to intelligently and critically examine the readings in regards to how their ideas and concepts intersect, extend, or extrapolate into our present perilous moment, in regards to contemporary thinking on architectural theory. The readings may be contemporaneous or divergent; they may also require a kind of triangulation of their ideas in order to produce a working position.

The essay should be understood as a deep dive (or critical archaeology) into the selected readings in order to demonstrate a careful and nuanced understanding (which is different than a summary or recap) of the arguments at play, and an ability to think through the potential effects or implied changes that the authors argue for. Depending on the texts chosen, the ideas may be in contrast to current day practices of beliefs, or they may point to other possible futures, routes not taken, or roads previously available now closed. It is your job to explore these avenues of thought in examining the readings while keeping a keen eye on today. Use of specific projects (built or unbuilt) or case studies is encouraged in order to provide examples and/ or instantiations of the concepts.

Remember to pose questions as opposed to seeking answers, and to explore the material of the seminar fully. The paper will develop and advance the thematics of the course and build on writing and argumentation skills. The essay should follow the Chicago Manual of Style citation method with properly cited footnotes, images, and bibliography, consisting of 3-5 sources of scholarly books or articles. Note: ‒ 6-8 pages of text ‒ images optional but suggested ‒ due April 13th via email at 6 pm - All assignments must be typewritten, double-spaced, 12-pt. font, with the student’s last name and name of the assignment shown at the top of the page. - Submit work as pdf named as follows: H+T3-Sp20_name-of-assignment_last-name.pdf Grading Guidelines for Writing Completeness and accuracy: A successful response accurately answers the question in a concise and precise way and offers supporting evidence that strengthens the argument.

Comprehension and quality of argument: A successful response demonstrates exceptional comprehension of the readings; thesis raises provocative and insightful questions. Clarity of writing: A successful response uses language that is well-chosen, organized, and is free from errors in spelling and grammar. Written work 1. Clearly articulates an argument based on cited references 2. Demonstrates comprehension of readings and lectures 3. Clearly argues using well-chosen supporting references 4. Clearly and convincingly argues the hypothesis 5. Makes convincing use of visual evidence where required 6. Correctly uses spelling and grammar Research 1. Demonstrates comprehensiveness and intelligent selection of sources 2. Shows insight and rigor in organization of sources 3. Sources in text are properly cited following the Chicago Manual of Style conventions of academic writing 4. Bibliography follows the Chicago Manual of Style conventions of academic writing All written work must follow the Chicago Manual of Style citation method, including bibliographies, essays, and footnotes. It is the responsibility of the student to become familiarize with this method of citation. For a quick overview see:

Paper For Above instruction

The final paper for the Architectural Theory course at Otis College of Art & Design requires a critical and in-depth analysis of one or two selected readings from the course. This analysis should explore how the ideas and concepts in the readings intersect with contemporary issues in architectural theory and practice, especially considering our current societal and environmental challenges. The student is encouraged to examine the readings beyond a simple summary, aiming to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the core arguments, as well as their potential implications, extensions, or contradictions when applied to today's architectural landscape.

A successful paper should pose provocative questions and explore possible futures or alternative routes suggested, challenged, or ignored by the texts. Incorporating specific case studies—built or unbuilt—serves to ground abstract concepts in real-world examples. Throughout, the paper should engage with issues critically and thoughtfully, integrating scholarly sources following the Chicago Manual of Style for citations. The assignment emphasizes original thinking, comprehensive source selection, and clarity of argumentation.

The paper should be between six and eight pages, double-spaced, with 12-point font, including footnotes, images if relevant, and a bibliography of 3-5 scholarly sources. It must be submitted via email by April 13th as a PDF file named in the specified format. The goal is to articulate a well-supported, insightful argument that advances the thematic dialogue initiated in the seminar, encouraging reflection on how architectural theory can inform responses to contemporary crises and future possibilities.

References

  • Berger, John. "Ways of Seeing." BBC, 1972.
  • Koolhaas, Rem. "Delirious New York: A Retroactive Manifesto for Manhattan." The Monacelli Press, 1994.
  • Pallasmaja, Juhani. "The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses." Wiley, 1996.
  • Tschumi, Bernard. "The Manhattan Projectile." AA Files, 1996.
  • Vidler, Anthony. "The Extrastatecraft of Architecture." Perspecta, 2011.

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